When you see cirrus clouds covering
The southern sky like fish flesh,
Is the Sun evaporating their
Ice crystals from above?

When you see ducks sliding on
A frozen pond, are the fish
Still swimming in liquid water
Hidden beneath?

When you see someone making
Lively conversation in a busy
Social setting, are they also
Analysing every word spoken for
Concealed meanings or for
Causes of future disasters?

When you see two people smiling
Inseparably together, are they
Actually living in some secret hell
They must keep from you
At all costs?

05/20/2024

Author's Note: Escapril 2024 prompt (belatedly): “Change of State”.

Posted on 07/12/2024
Copyright © 2024 Richard Vince