Empty Pond

the pond was pumped dry
the ducks gathered at the deepest part
as the pump did its thing
until all the water was sucked away
then they just stood in the wet clay

later
two mallards chased each other around an old oak tree
heads down
disgruntled wings beating
the workmen sat among the trees smoking
and laughing at the birds

there were things in the pond
wriggling minnows
a few rubber balls
the skeleton of a faded red and yellow kite
one black sneaker

the pond floor began to smell bad in the midday sun
the men packed up their equipment
then left in a large white truck

the ducks waddled off to sit under some shade
to wait for something to happen
nothing did
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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