Shoreline Trail
Shoreline Trail
(Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Ontario, Canada)
Four feet and eight paws move quietly
Over a thick bed of orange pine needles
That serve as floor to a grove of trees
Through which shimmering
Puzzle pieces of water
Appear among thick branches.
Large, moss-covered rocks
Startle the senses and serve as
Sentinels in this quiet place while
Stair-like tree roots
Aid footsteps on the ascent
Towards that elusive shore line.
I follow my husband, whose pale legs
Hang from his new shorts,
As my Blenheim and Ruby Cavs’
Newly-shaved bodies
Wiggle from side to side on the double lead.
I trail behind so the dogs won’t pull too much
And, finally, we behold
Blue-green water lapping gently
At the edge of flat, smooth rock beds.
One small boat sits roped,
Three adults occupy the picnic table,
And one larger boat is anchored
In the small inlet to the right —
The only human additions
To this serene place overlooking
The clear waters of Charleston Lake.
