I.
Paddleboard
The still lake at dawn.
“It is early,” it whispers.
“Come, walk upon me.”
II.
Veritas
Busfuls of tourists
empty into tasting rooms.
I drink wine at home.
III.
Undisputed
Who owns the beachfront?
In truth, neither you nor I.
The lake holds title.
IV.
Bounty
Lake trout on the grill,
garlic scapes, and sweet corn.
The gods amaze me.
V.
Hike
The woods in summer.
The scent of pines in hot sun.
Insects eat my head.
VI.
Farmstand
Better than kisses
from naked, aroused angels:
August tomatoes.
VII.
Jaws
Snapping turtle head,
then the shell, big as a tire.
I think: “Holy crap!”
VIII.
Rock
Odd name: Petoskey.
And, in the end, just a stone.
I lust after them.
IX.
Angler
I cast for big perch.
I catch and catch all day long.
Everything but.
X.
Perfection
Front porch on farmhouse.
Pray, what could make things better?
Two martinis, please.
XI.
Wind
I raise my mainsail.
A beamy breeze would delight.
It blows hard dead south.
XII.
Parable
The cherry truck turns.
Ripe fruit spills upon the road.
Sweet, glorious mess.
