The glossy surface is framed by yellow

and white water-lilies; above in the heather

wild horses gather to flash tails at flies

in the withering heat. A bird of prey circles,

and swooping, awakens maternal concern

for the children below. Sun-splashed

nakedness shakes the composure

of cormorants and mute swans. Deep

in the night the call of the screech owl,

stars as large as her eyes.

"This is what life could be like" she whispered.....

".....without you." I manfully ended her sentence.