A yard away, a water-lily closed

Its petals, as an elfin cygnet smooths

Its ruffled plumes, composing them for sleep.

He watched it, rapt, intent.

She watched her son,

Intent and rapt, with a stirring at her heart,

And beautiful shining wonder in her eyes,

Feeling a mystery near her.

Shadow-of-a-Leaf

Whispered. The garden died into the dark.