The Lotus Pond

Every night she visits the garden. She finds a small spot near the edge of the water and watches the dragonflies flit from lily pad to flower. As the fish touch the surface with their noses, the ripples swirl the water under each plant. The Moon light and the small lanterns give the pond an ethereal glow. She closes her eyes and takes it all in. The hum of the dragonflies' wings add a bass to the lapping of water against the rim. The scent of fresh rain settles among the fragrance of the flowers. Each plop of water a fish makes, and each breath creates a steady rhythm to quiet the thoughts in her mind. Without opening her eyes, she lets one hand float softly in the water and allows the liquid to cool her warm hands. After a few minutes, she allows the other hand to follow suit and her heartbeat slows while the noise becomes only a mumble in the distance. A frog splashes for a second. She can almost hear the movement of the fish as they weave around the roots of each lotus. When she opens her eyes, the color of the flowers come in shades of pink, blue and violet. The fireflies begin to show, and she welcomes their presence with a soft sigh. A breeze wafts her hair as she stares at the stars reflected on the almost smooth surface. This is her sanctuary. Here, she spins hopes and dreams while in quiet retreat. The Lotus Pond, her one place in the world.