a mirror reflecting a bridge

blue span across a calm pool

with a foaming drop to the other side

where swans drift in gentle spray

lazily begging food

 

i lean over and watch them

warm sun beating down on my back

so peaceful here in summer

 

when the floods come in winter

this is another place

the water rises and roars

the river booms

vibrating the beams

close to my feet

 

debris in swirling bundles

crashes into the bridge

a whole tree lodged on the edge

in muddied, tumultuous foam

 

the banks of the river burst

threatening houses

and making a lake of the park

where the swans glide idly in pools

 

they are undisturbed

while my heart pounds

to the booming beat of the bridge