Water Lily

Enjoying a solitary paddle
I float among the water lilies
Mesmerized
Water droplets cover the petals like a beautiful rash
Flies bask in the cover of a sepal
Light reflections kiss the water's surface with stars
Yet this beautiful scene in nature
Marred by a wisp of oil
A tiny slick snakes across the surface
Tentacles encircling the flowers and leaves
Obstructing the view through the clear water below
My thoughts turn to the creatures that call this lake their home
Saddened by the impact
We have on the life around us
Adding to their struggle for survival
Yet most of us don't struggle like these creatures do