Duckpond

A delicate, vibrant young joy

In this, the smallest of universes

Sunlight dapples through the bare trees

The meat smoke smell of lunch

Persistent bird calls, quiet dove soothing repetitives

An abandoned duck enclosure sets the scene

For the land of princesses and thieves

Bare branch sword fights.

Hiding behind the empty duck pond

She waits, short silent breaths

Wary of discovery, she doesn't move

Waiting for her young enemy to falter

One rustle of the groundcover
a betrayal of a little footstep

She will know, and attack.