The speaker finds peace and relaxation by maintaining a small backyard pond, where they observe and interact with the local wildlife. They skim debris from the surface, imagining themselves in Monet's water lily paintings. Tending to the pond each day has become a soothing ritual, letting the speaker forget sadness and watch birds like blue jays, woodpeckers, and quail that visit. Other animals, like chipmunks, lizards, and deer also come to drink, while signs of bears have been found. The tasks and sights provide calming therapy for the speaker.

1. Rituals
THE LITTLE POND in the back appears neglected when we return.
This morning I finally went down to add water and to clear some of the minor debris.
The summer temperature is so welcoming at this time of day.
Once the water is going, I skim the surface in a slow rotation around in a figure eight
here and there with a net, imagining I’m a worker in Monet’s water lily pond
Continually -and this is so soothing, it feels like free therapy
Because I think about all the sadness that is going on around the world, and here too.
This could become a ritual of sorts.
At the little pond each day, a routine designed by nature starts with
Birds of all mountain varieties, including the bold stellar blue jay and
sometimes pesky woodpeckers, stopping by for a drink and a fly by.
The coveys of quail are my favorite. They make me smile as they swarm
together in organic lines and patterns around the rocks then take a quick dip.
The chipmunks and lizards, too, take their turn by the water.
The deer often come by, tentatively in the darkening hours,
unable to resist, taking their sips and eating my plants.
The bears are visually undetected by me so far, only by our neighbors
But they leave evidence of their fur in the bottom of the pond.
After finishing with the task at hand and going inside
I hear a blue jay squawking at me. .
Looking down I see, he just wanted his space back.
Jane Oling-Greenard July 15, 2016