Wooden pillars squeak in the afternoon wind

Waters slap against the shore

Not angrily but without end

 

Bleached bright pier reflects the sun

Man holds his pole on a “No Fishing” sign

Like a catch would have been fun

 

The sky so tantalizing blue

It fools you into thinking

The water is too

 

The sun also plays games with your mind

Shimmering off the murky river like gems

A rare find

 

Motor boats and jet skis rev in the distance 

The fun you know they’re having

Makes you stop to listen 

 

Golden reeds dance to their melody

Palm trees join in

Reminding you relaxation is a remedy 

 

Kids cackle down to the dock

Embracing freedom like the world is theirs

And there’s no clock

 

Mom scrambles to their row

Stroller wheels clicking on panels

Her commands right in tow 

 

The breeze chills your skin

But you know you can turn

And the sun will warm it again

 

A ranger steps til his boots hit their mark 

He gently informs you

“Half an hour til we close the park.”

 

You linger on your poem’s last word

Rewriting and retrying 

Til your voice feels heard

 

Spanish moss leads you back with its sway

Persuading even the longest lingerer

To wrap up her day

 

Your warm leather seat greets your backside

The sun glows oranger and lower

Off your mirror and onto the countryside

 

© Candice Reineke 2021