Poetry Magazines - The best collection of poetry magazines online - Simon Armitage

     As I look ahead of me I see the glint of sunlight on the surface of a pond. I move toward it. As I stand at the edge of the water, I hear a voice saying, “Go in !” The pond is quite shallow and filled with green threads of growing matter and gelatinous masses. Small shadowy fish dart for shelter among the underwater weeds that are like the trees of a vast forest. I hesitate, then dip my feet in. The water is soft and gentle like the air. Again I hear the voice: “Go in!” I move into the pond among the algae and thick shapeless forms of life. Beneath my feet the sand is firm and warm but the tickling of slime against my ankles makes me want to turn and run away. By now I’ve moved about fifteen feet from shore toward the middle of the pond. The voice says: “Lie down!” I shudder with revulsion. The water is still very shallow and clouded with transparent living matter. Small green water plants rise from the bottom and float their delicate leaves in the sun. “Lie down!” I hear again. I bend over, touch the water. I lie down. The slime and growing things touch me lightly. I float among the jellylike masses. They move against the soles of my feet. They float over my stomach and through my hair, millions of small formless creatures caressing me. I sink in the warm fluid, the life around me exuding a warm perfume. The fish brush by me, butting me tenderly amid the sweetness of living water.