Dreams and memories

Last light. The dock rides gentle in the swell,
The slapping water dappled red to grey,
And evening casts an ancient solemn spell,
Weaves dreams and memories for those who stay.

Canoe! Brand new and blisters on my thumb,
Lake races, chases, storm the rebel port!
My brothers, me, the others, in a scrum.

Adventure Harbour once, and now... We brought
Our picnic to the secret beach. Neat rum
And cheese and smelly kisses. Fromage fort.

Today I stood in shallows, framed the shot,
The children's kids, the cottage and the shore,
The dock, the ancient boat, the picnic spot,
The ghosts of all the summers gone before.