Q: How is the heart of the pond preserved?

The heart of the pond is not kept by stone,  
nor guarded by iron.  

It is preserved through **silence**,  
where noise cannot fracture reflection.  

It is preserved through **vigilance**,  
where frogs remember their Lore and watch the waters.  

It is preserved through **vow**,  
where patience holds,  
and betrayal finds no root.  

Thus the pond’s heart endures —  
not by outer defense,  
but by inner remembrance.  

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