Out Beyond the Reeds

Out beyond the reeds waits an abandoned well,
Carrying still the water few will happen by.
Should, by chance, a shadow cross and
A rare face look down within,
She'll show him what he loves best
In the hope that he'll return.

But below her water's surface
Down in the murk and mire
Lie secrets dropped from shadows past.
Shadows, who - now satisfied -
Have no reason to return.

The well, she hopes and - in silence -
Prays that the next stranger might stay a while
And entrust another secret to her murky keeping.
Yes, she knows why they come and why they go,
But she loves them all the same.

Lying still and silent,
The well, she tirelessly waits.
Won't you walk beyond the reeds
And look down in the water?
Down below the cool reflections...
Down among the unclaimed oaths.