Reflection

The angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.

It does because it must; it is the law, a law that even light must obey.

So it is the depth of our gaze that controls the reflection in the pool.

A passing glance, a shallow look, yields a distorted glimpse of far away scenes.

But as we approach we see things closer and closer until, looking straightaway, we see that which stands directly over the mirrored surface.

We see ourselves.

And yet we see only what we wish to see,

Though the reflection is perfect.  It must be,

Because the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.

It is our vision that is imperfect.

Truth is not something we have the eyes to behold,

Or the courage to withstand, Or the will to embrace.

So we look again at rippled images of far away things, watercolor paintings,

Etched for the moment on the liquid surface.  More pleasing to the eye,

More accepting of scrutiny, revealing a truth from which we need not hide.