I placed these two painted little statuettes beside the larger of two ponds in my backyard. There they have sat, watching the seasons go by. I hope you enjoy my poem and I thank you for your interest. With every good wish, Doug Skopp

Side-by-side…

Side-by-side, two old statuettes,

An ancient couple cast in concrete—

He and she, sage-like, pensive—

Sit in stillness, perched and patient,

At the pond’s eastern edge.

Both show their age and wear:

Their cheeks, their eyes duller now

And their painted caps and clothes

Are fading, fading into dusty grey.

He and she, two stony figures,

Sit still, like every one of us,

Only able to understand

About as much of this world

As we’re allowed to ponder

In silence: such subtle glories,

Such mysteries, more beautiful

Than any of us can bear.