The koi rises
like a splash of sunshine
from behind clouds of murky water.

The golden-orange flash
dances though the pond

in and out of branches
trailing at the pond’s edge
playing in the reflection of the moon.

Until, conceding defeat,

it sinks back,
all its brightness swallowed
again in the gloom of the water.

No treats have been set out for him
tonight. There is only the flicker
of floating candles lighting the way back

for those who swim
in far darker places
than the gilded king of the pond.