the lake: poem & song

the waves crest white with foam
not ice
the thaw has settled in

my fingertips test the lake's shallowest place
recoil
though thawed still frigid

breathe in deeply, the wind races by
skyline
cuts across bike path and sand

first time by the water, sun's warmth
her face
she smiles and laughs, eyes full with wonder

we will return, not this week but maybe next
summer
is coming and the waiting won't be long

one last look as we return to the car, not goodbye
good day
we'll see you again soon

____________________

Poem & song inspired by our daughter's first trip to the Lakeshore.