…

I overturned the rowboat planning soon
to row, looking as I turned it over
for water snakes or wasps in their paper
nests, but there was nothing there, it was true
and so I reached to get the oars and saw
appearing in a quiet growing swarm
hornets, hundred or so out of the warm
earth from a hole all in alarm and awe.
Around where I had plunked the old boat down
waking them up to come out and inquire
Who’s shaking the ground? they seemed like a fire
I’d somehow ignited, jagged soft sounds
I’d stirred in the water, my hand through fronds
the murmuring grass, a breeze off the pond.

…

Drawings by Akram.