with two sets of glistening wings
that shine the sun in my eyes
you hover over our activities
searching the pond for prey

you are a mostly silent hunter
whose beauty is marred with your kills
yet, I can hear your wings flutter
above the water where I hold close my young.

your expertise skims the top of the pool
as you dip your sticky tongue to capture
all the smaller, weaker insects (us),
but behind you I can see the silky web

always, always, a stronger predator reigns
and before you can reach us with your lashing,
your wings are caught (their glimmering shine dulled)
and I know that, at least today, we are safe.