Notes About The Poem

My Koi Pond: How to Create a Serene and Beautiful Oasis - Pond and ...

image from pondandgardenideas.com/my-koi-pond

Years ago I wrote a memoir vignette about my grandmother's Koi pond, the subject matter and inspiration for this poem. You may read it at: MAGIC AT THE KOI POND | A Short Story or Fictional Prose by Sara Etgen-Baker

This poem is submitted to Brian Strand's contest "1442 Nature," February 2, 2026

1442

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
gold scales ripple through
the jade mirror of stillness—
one breath, then plunges
into sunken palaces
where water forgets the sky

12th gradefishtanka

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Malabika Ray Choudhury

February 23, 2026 at 5:33 PM

Congratulations, Dear Sara, on your trophy win.

Sam Kauffman

February 12, 2026 at 11:47 AM

Sara, back with congratulations for your trophy win with your stunning tanka! So happy for you! Hugs and blessings!

sara Etgen-Baker

February 12, 2026 at 3:52 PM

awww, thank you, Sam. Your congratulatory words mean a great deal to me. hugs and blessings, Sara

Bartholomew Williams

February 10, 2026 at 4:01 PM

Congratulations on a lovely, imagery-filled poem, Sara! I can almost see the goldfish and hear the gently running water! Nice job on your #1 finish in the contest, too. Blessings & very best, Bartholomew

sara Etgen-Baker

February 12, 2026 at 3:52 PM

thank you, kind sir. Your words mean a lot to me...I'm glad the images came alive! Thanks, too, for your congratulatory words...wishing you a blessed evening, Sara