EBB TIDE COTTAGE

A restless fourteen year old
An early summer morning
Before the house wakes.
Paddling the jon boat
Across the Chickahominy River
Wraith steams and mists
Waltz over dull grey water

Sitting solitary 'neath cypress trees
Boat bumping 'gainst cypress knees
Watching the ball, wisps float, mingle, fade
Waiting for the sun another kind of ball
To rise, chase the dancers away

A glint off the kitchen window
A reluctant row back
Across now sparkling water
Catch the aroma of coffee and bacon
The surprising jolt of hunger
And the drudge up to the house
In dew sodden sneakers.

(written August 2009 for my Aunt Dot)