Sitting by the lake

Watching the tiny ripples in the water

They form miniature oscillations that add to the mesmerizing calmness

Tadpoles squirm as fish swim beneath the surface

Sitting by the lake

Listening to the birds sing their song

Chirping in an untroubled tune

Sitting by the lake

Feeling the afternoon breeze brushing its fingertips along my cheeks

It gives me a pleasant, refreshing hug

The trees sway slightly with the wind

Sitting by the lake

The water is so crystal clear and naturally blue

If not for the ripples, and the movement underneath

I would have mistaken it for beautiful, stained glass

As I sit by the lake

I savor the taste of tranquility

I smell the scent of peace

I hear happiness

As I sit by the lake

I think about the fish swimming under the ripples

The tadpoles in the water

The birds in the trees

The fireflies in the wind

Do they—too—feel the same?