A small waterfall trickles down the rocks and into the aquamarine pool. The water is clear enough that he can see straight through to the swaying plants at the bottom. Colourful fry gather at the shallow edges of the pool, by the white sands, while the larger fish lounge in the cooler depths.
Everyday the man relieves the jungle heat in the pool. Some days he simply floats along on his back, other days he goes for an invigorating swim. Often he dives into the azure depths. He sees the cave at the back of the pool.
Dark and inviting, its mouth is many times larger than he is. But no matter how many days pass, he will not enter it. Even when the sun is highest and something glitters within. Tempting, to sate that curiosity.
But he has his paradise. Why unfold its secrets?
Paddy Dobson
20th July 2022