Steps

for the first time

perched ungainly just above

the reedy margins of the lake

he straightens up, not amused

to look my way

spear beak pointing accusingly

“where have you been”?

 his haughty crusty look implores

I answer only in my head

“away, far too long”

downstream the sluices are open

forcing the half-pipe weir to rage

above the sounds in my head

the Morse code rapping in my chest

“take it easy”

I’ve walked this lake, our lake 

a thousand times

but this time feels

like uncharted territory

albeit still in sight of land

half way now

as the path turns for home, 

light rain spitting on my cheeks

the lake reflects this silver morning

the rippled surface like hammered metal

nearly there

Seamus and Sandra gardening 

ease and wait for me to pass

they’ll expect to hear the full story

from the horse’s mouth

and then I am close, it’s done

another tick off my list

on cue, grey folds to blue

a stroke of warm to reward my effort

I see anxious eyes at the window 

already moving to beckon me through the door 

*

© Graham Sherwood 07/21