Snapshot of Overlooked Beauty

A lake cradled in the Himalayan foothills’ verdant cleft Its acclaimed beauty on the azure water sun did reflect. Not for long though, a sprawling hamlet’s arms spread Toxic pollutant stream in the lake it drained and shed. Crystal clear water soon became algal and eutrophic Decimated shortly all the thriving life forms aquatic. The lake invaded by water hyacinth and wild weed Turned over time to boggy waste landscape indeed. The sparkling ripples were stilled at dark depth alone The serene shadows of slope-lined pines were gone. In unsightly wetland amidst the Himalayan splendor Saw one dawn hyacinth clusters bloom purple flower. Glossy jade leaves glistened under the golden sun On wings of butterflies the dance of joy had begun. So enthralling was the display of nature’s bounty I still cherish the snapshot of overlooked beauty. November 12, 2018