Stillness echoed long and loud
Among the waterlilies out,
And was repeated by the trout
Who would not move or swim about

Silence reigned at morning come
And into noon the world kept mum
Noiseless sunlight beams become
An unforgiving tranquil thrum

I came upon this place by chance
Where time had stopped its ageless dance
Mirrored waters at first glance
Who’s picture put me in a trance

Not a single sound was heard
Not a cricket nor a bird
Perhaps a fly that soon demurred
To stillness that here reigned unstirred

When at last my mind awoke
From its dreamlike state, I spoke,
Attempting to still make a joke
Of shunned fire without smoke

“By god! the Farmer had his way,
All he took, he would not sway
But not to cry, he’ll surely stray,
And give up his terrain some day”

Quick I left this place that not
For any living thing begot,
Besides the stillness of the spot,
A single thing to tempt but rot