Classic Poem

“What's down there in the water, father?
Is anyone living down there, father?”
“The king's palace and the great men's houses
and all the court are deep down under.”

“But where is the king?” “He's stone today.”
“Did he have a beautiful daughter?”
“She's the golden fish who lurks and gleams
and takes the crumbs we throw her.”

“But why this fence?” “They say a beggar
came begging some food for his child.
But they set the dog on him, and the king
never woke up or saw a thing.”

“Where is the king's sky-colored chamber?”
“It's the green moss in the middle of the pool.”
“But what does the king eat?” “Water through all the ages,
and only the weeds bow down before him.”