A sun-drenched bank slopes onto a pebbly beach opposite the

Steep rocky cliff providing privacy and seclusion, while

Cool, clear water tumbles over low rocky falls, into

Rock-bottomed shallows meant for wading.

Watercolor minnows wiggle around our feet,

While older, wiser fellows hug the deep, still water.

 

Downstream, massive oaks canopy the grassy bank and

Shade the little dock floating in the still, deep water.

Catfish greet us with mouths eager to eat bread from our hands,

Their flipping tails splashing water onto the dock.

Chubby legs paddling, hungry turtles skim across the water,

Hoping to share in the afternoon’s bounty.

 

With nature the only sound filling our ears, the sun’s rays

Bear down on us as we hike leisurely back to the truck,

Meadow grass bending under our feet. Looking back,

The grassy, shaded bank with its barbeque pit and table

Beckon to us, tempting us to stay awhile in this secluded sanctuary.

Wistfully we climb into the truck, vowing to return another day.

 

July 6, 2004