Red pine and white pine needles

commingle and swirl around the

cattail plant in the pond just in

front of the waterfall as it bounces

off rocks, drops and splashes over

the needles soaking them until they

drop to the ledge below before winter

descends freezing the needles in place

for six months. Pond fish hide behind

the cattail plant becoming more still

as the water temperature drops

below forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.