Let's Go Again to the Edge of the Lake

Audio Version

Let’s go again
to the edge of the lake
where the road breaks off
and the aspens quake
and beech trees reach
through solid air
to a sky closing over us
like a solemn prayer

Let’s visit again 
the little croft 
with cobblestone hearth
and gabled loft,
where birds break flight
and swoop in to nest
on a roof of slate
or stop to rest
on a padlocked gate
or preen atop
the wooden staves
of the rotting fence
surrounding the croft
and the family graves:

There’s Father
and Mother,
and sister Anne,
the one-eyed cat,
and a dog called Sam.

Their bones now rest
beneath hardened clay
patiently awaiting
that promised day
when bodies and minds
will be instantly healed
as the world unwinds
across furrowed fields

So, let’s wait, let’s wait
at the edge of the lake
where life breaks off
and the aspens quake
and beech trees reach
through solid air
to a sky closing over us
like a solemn prayer