I
have just come out of a lengthy meeting
I’m
mentally drained and hungry.
I
decide to do something restorative
And
drive to the local botanic gardens for a late lunch.
Parking
was easy.
A
short walk and there’s an open café
I
order a healthy sandwich and a coffee
and settle at a table overlooking the
pond.
There
are people around me
Young
parents with babies in prams
Families
Older
folk strolling slowly and purposefully
People
in wheelchairs
Workers
with lanyards hanging around their necks
I’m
just near the pond
At
first glance it appears dirty..
Greeny/brown with algae floating below the
surface.
But
then I notice the reflections on the water:
The
colours of the trees and the blue sky,
rippling
on the surface
The
birds don’t seem to mind
They
come flying in
Wings
outstretched for a graceful landing.
More
ripples..
I
can see ducks and coots, little ravens and minah birds
There
is a flock of egrets roosting in the sun
safe
from all the people
on an island in the middle of the pond
Little
dragon flies dart around
Sunlight
reflects flashes of silver and blue on their wings
Bird
wings flapping
Crow
cawing
People
chatting
Wind
blowing
I
give thanks for this moment in my day
A
moment to slow down and notice
The
beauty of this world
A concrete mixer truck drives by
on one of the footpaths
A
jarring image in this sanctuary in the city!
My attention is drawn back to the work waiting
for me.
Time to go..
