Cement Pond
The “cement pond” located outside my dad’s apartment at his assisted
living facility is a treat to behold. It
is located in a courtyard area, providing a beautiful aesthetic to the
otherwise sterile patio. The rectangular
pool is approximately 20 ft long and 8 ft wide.
Cascading waterfalls flank each end of it like bookends. Large rocks stacked strategically with water
flowing from the top create a waterfall with a trickling sound which adds to the
relaxing atmosphere. The sound is reminiscent
of the babbling streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rocks
are covered in a green mossy algae giving it a natural look. The pond is inhabited by brightly colored koi
fishes ranging in size from a few inches to a foot long. Some of the koi are beautifully colored orange
and white as if they represent the local Tennessee Volunteers sports
teams. The surface of the pond is almost
entirely covered by glossy heart-shaped lily pads. Other pond vegetation is also purposefully
planted to make it more inviting. The
lily pads are sparsely dotted with the lushest grapefruit-pink water lily
flowers. These flowers are perfectly formed
stars with a thick yellow center of petals. The sun shines off of them, and they are
absolutely gorgeous. Some stand on sturdy
stems a few inches above the water. Each
of these flowers last 3-5 days before fading and sinking. The blooms generally open during the day and
close in the late afternoon. One more
observation is clear to see in this most interesting pond. A faux alligator, half-submerged, is placed on
the rock along the side of the pool. He
is fairly realistic and could give a little fright, especially from a
distance. His job, however, is to keep
birds of prey like hawks from taking fish from the water. Between the babbling sounds of the waterfalls,
the beautiful fish and flowers, and the adorable alligator, this pond is always
fun to visit. What a wonderful addition to an assisted facility that elderly
people call home.
Tammy Harvey
6/25/2025
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