Mountain noses and tongues
and masking ridge
stick shape
norhward trickling bowl
You’re not sure I can manage
the islands
we paddle close to the shore
so I also wonder
You taught Charles:
swim to that island;
not arguing about
his boots
(he may not be coming back)
He’ll need them
climbing ashore:
The waving wakeful trees
need someone to hear
them whisper
The island and shore fires
die down
the lake disappears
and the mountains
The buoys settle down
the cabin windows
raised only a crack
Drink this bathing
air of another continent