Do you hear that?

A gurgle from the pond.

A deep bellow sending

Bubbled air to the water's

Surface. What is that?

Looming in the murky muck.

Scales maybe? Or is the

Glassy water playing tricks

On my exhausted eyes?

Rummaging under

Lily pads and fallen leaves.

A fish or turtle perhaps?

I swear I saw its eyes.

Big and round with

Slitted pupils.

Limbs and fins,

I get a glance of

Its odd silhouette.

Was that a smile?

A malevolent grin?

I hope it wasn't that.

The boat rocks gently.

Please don't knock

Me from the safety

Of this oakwood vessel.