The pond near the pasture...

The warm air and heat from the sun bear down on me. I feel the beads of sweat heavy on my forehead, rush into my eyes. They sting and I try to rub away the pain. Sweat builds in the middle of my back and runs down my spine with every step I take. Most people would complain and generally I am right there with them, but I see shade from full trees and an inviting pond. The heat is not so bad if you know you only need to tolerate it for a little while.

I walk towards the pond and try to memorize every detail and feeling. I am here alone for a good while, and know I will not be interrupted by any soul. The indulging green on the leaves dance and rustle in the warm summer breeze. Light shimmers off them, giving a soothing rhythm along with the wind. The shimmer reminds me of the pool of sweat under my clothes and I wonder if the leaves of trees ever get too hot on July days.

Yellow streaks burst onto the pond, the reflection causing the waters to glisten and sparkle. Except for insects skimming the surface, the pond is quiet and still. In the waters reflection, I can see the leaves closing in to try and keep the pond cool.

I wonder if taking a swim is safe? I had done nothing yet, but fish and dip my feet in. I was sure the pond was deep, which meant the sun's flowing rays only reached so far down.

Bending down, close to the edge I ran my palm and fingers over the surface. The water was balmmy, lukewarm, even as I pressed in up to my elbow. Pulling my arm up I was half expecting to see green algae form a film on my skin. My skin was clear.

I stood and made an impulse decision. Leaving my clothes on the banks, I waded into the warm water, carefully. The water remained warm as I walked up to my knees. The pond was dark and I could no longer see my toes. I took a deep breath and pushed ahead. The mud and muck pushed up between my toes. I could feel the grains, rocks and reeds as I plodded towards the center of the pond. The waters up to my neck and still felt warm throughout. My theory was wrong. I was sure the deeper the water the colder it would be.

My arms lifted me into the suspension of the water. I turned myself around and stared to head back. That is when the invigorating relief touched my legs. It surprised me and I gasped. I turned back towards the center of the pond eager for the tranquility.

A few more feet foreword and the feeling hit the rest of my skin. I smiled, took a breath and slowly slipped beneath the surface. My whole body enveloped in the cool waters respite. Refreshing and shocking all at once. In an instant, my head disappears below and I dive head first. The agitation and anxiety that had built inside of me was washed from me by the serenity of the waters below. It calmed the seething rage behind my eyes. Everything was still.

The pond is much deeper than orginally thought. I reach my hands down deeper into the depths, thinking I were to feel the muck and sediment of the bottom, but my fingers kept pushing through cold waters. No pond reeds, grasses...nothing. I hope this pond is without limits...all the while knowing it does have an end.

I stop moving in the vast coolness of the water. It is still. I am still. My ears full of water and my muffled heart pounding in my head. I lift my head towards the surface and see the sparkles from the sun's rays push through the obscure water.

Isolated in the water, yet surrounded and embraced on every inch of me. The water moves seamlessly around me and my senses tingle. The muffle is still there, the sun glistens, my hands push through the water propelling me forward, bubbles come out my nose and I feel the pressure in my chest of needing to breathe.

A wave of comfort and I freeze in the water. I needed this peace. I needed this stillness and almost quiet. This gives me reassurance. A clarity and resolute for my restless soul and clouded mind. I am free from the storms of my raging mind. My body turns towards the surface and I break the delicate pond surface and fell the gentle waters roll off my skin, taking the storms way. I emerge fully from the soft depths and carry on.