By Melisse Walking, slithering, silky, tender, “s” shaped curves Exploring a rocky pool Of cool, clear creek water. Immersed in their reverie Sliding over, sliding under Across one another. First two, then three, four, five. Perhaps six Orange bellied newts With hands and feet a-glow Hallowing a warm, chocolate, translucent body. Soft skin, sweet face, sensual beings. Their own “corner” of the big wide world This towering redwood forest Is clean, is healthy. These newts’ very presence tell me so. I sit quietly and watch. My reverie joined to theirs. Treasuring this honor This voyeuristic privilege To glimpse their world To spy their behavior Their interactions and relationships. One newt climbs to the edge of the shallow pool Closest to where I sit. She lifts her head Bulging eyes emerging above the water’s surface And looks
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