Today on and about Freedom Pond

1.

No destination.
The pond tells me where to go.
A small gray-yellow bird meets me at the edge of the bog,
cocks its head, says "chip chip."

In the quiet, I feel honored to have heard the small sound.
I do not know the human name for this little marvel.

2.

Just because it's natural doesn't mean I like to step in dog shit.
Just because there's no street doesn't mean you need not pick it up.

3.

The Coast Guard folks throw themselves into the water with clothes on.
They test out new life jackets.
I pass two other paddlers, say hello.
"Fine day, isn't it?"
When I get back to the dock, a woman complains she can't get a signal on her cell phone.
I nod, though I'm thinking I'm glad I don't have one of those things.
She gets a signal, calls, and says she's run out of worms. She'd go to the store for more but someone is blocking her car.
That's me.
Why doesn't she just tell me?
I move my car, tie up the kayak, and go home.
Shit laden sandals are left by the door.