Thomas - at the Farm

By uncle's pond on stepping stone
Thomas, bravely on his own
Observes this water wonderland
A wealth of movement, all unplanned.

Insects flit or crawl on rock
Geckos peer from reeds, take stock
Perhaps some minnows swirl below
In the shallows, who's to know?

In this peaceful farmland stream
A myriad tiny creatures teem
Their lifespan short but ever new
A kalideoscope of derring-do!

Mini-food chains operate
Ripples mean an insect's fate
A bird perhaps sees a quick meal;
Nature's cruelty is real.

Though Thomas often walks this way
Does he see predators and prey
And marvel at pond life* extreme
Or just enjoy the burbling stream?

(c) Poet in the woods 2019

* Reference to "The Marvels of Pond Life" by Henry J. Slack