sitting by the late afternoon rippling lake

sitting by the late afternoon rippling lake 

dividing shade from sunlight

dividing the day from the night

something that feels quite right

unlike a fisherman catching a fish

it will come jumping out into my lap

with no reel, rod, or bait

i will be a lucky winner, like in craps

from a replica of life, made it out alive

to drift with the wakes towards the dam

but a healthy ride and a breath of fresh air

staying fit to reach the other shore again

the distant thunder excites me

like a gift from nature darkened skies

outrun the first approaching drops

and hide the storm within my eyes 

cooled front storm breeze retorts

for love it would give an errant sigh

the calm that rushes over me

when my mind stops wondering why

sit and be drenched; here it comes

or ride home soaked, be forewarned

till mirages of a sheltered party welcoming

gives lightening to my spirits strong

who goes fishing on the lake in the rain?

finds another exit from the strange

why he parted from the safety zone

for the great, wide-open range 

ah, here's a patch of blue and sun right through

sky lightens, rain tapers to drizzle 

in giving up pretending who i am

getting skunk butt as route 19 sizzles.

June 26, 2022