Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Creekside Observations

crackle and spark of a freshly ignited campfire
dribble and trickle of creek water 
in small rippling, graduating circles
a large tree, split into two separate trunks
reaching out in opposite directions 
one arching over the creek like a serpent's head
I wish I took a photo 
the kerplunk of a fish, or maybe a turtle
an A-shaped gateway for kayakers
formed by two tall and skinny trees
leaning into each other at a point
the perfect triangular vertex
the golfball-like domes barely peeking
above the surface of the creek, watching
canoers, kayakers, and perhaps most courageous
exposed, stand-up paddle boarders 
children laughing, running, bicycle riding
families, large and small
some celebrating with festive music
others talking quietly around the fire
a father and his two sons try their luck
with poles and bait and lure
while another man tosses a primitive line
with a hook and piece of bread
the former, hard on his luck
the latter dragging in his dinner
the day comes to an end slowly out here
every minute of lasting light, a chance
to take one more walk
to catch one more fish
to paddle one more time
and the night falls, and the fires burn
the aroma of dinners of all kinds 
are carried down creek with smoke
out here, dinner is served 
under the moon and the stars and the trees
calmness spreads with the departure of the mosquitos
the coolness in the air brings everyone close to the fire
chatter and marshmallow, cocoa and cake
long stretches of silence accompany the children
who have retired to their tents
while the grown-ups stare into the flames instead of screens
until the chatter is replaced with yawns 
deep inhalation of fresh air and heavy eyelids
send everyone off to bed
in a tent, on the dirt, under the stars





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