Flames spring up gesturing hypnotically
\nIn the trees’ silhouette at a neighbouring cottage
\nDwarfed by the sun’s fiery show
\nAcross the river.<\/p>\n
The place is history as we imagine
\nFlashing through memory:
\nSiblings, children, men, women
\nAll pass by, stop briefly or not
\nSmiling, grimacing \u2014 private and public
\nA straw hat in the sun, a plastic float,
\nA beach pail, groceries, a drink,
\nA paddle, a towel, lawn chair, shuffleboard cues
\nA pie, marsh mallows, corn cobs, camera
\nSunglasses, picnic basket, engagement ring.
\nExcited, expectant, too hot, shivering,
\nRelaxed, sweating with exertion, fever,
\nFear, loneliness, sorrow, and bliss.<\/p>\n
Memory, like a sleeve hides and
\nTeases, distorts and promises.
\nThis sunset, this bonfire has been here
\nAnd will be here long ago again.<\/p>\n
— August 25, 2006<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Flames spring up gesturing hypnotically In the trees’ silhouette at a neighbouring cottage Dwarfed by the sun’s fiery show Across the river. The place is history as we imagine Flashing through memory: Siblings, children, men, women All pass by, stop … Continue reading