A Lake Within a Lake

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Hangzhou, September 25, 1984

At West Lake there is a Lake

Within a lake.

We reach the island,

Where lotus plants cover the calm waters.

Where water lilies

Settle daintily on their water stems.

Carps break the water

With open mouths

In anticipation of falling crumbs.

The bridge across the island

Zig-zags its way

To confuse demons,

Who need straight paths

To satisfy their evil intent.

Moon pagodas

Stand in the outer lake,

Awaiting the arrival of the full moon,

To record its reflection,

In the water.

Then,

The boat carries us away,

From the peace,

The harmony,

And tranquillity,

That is West Lake.