I m a g e s
Stately pines casting dappled shadow
On finely grained sand.
Shadows stretching toward the lake
Wind around the trees
As morning hours grow and pass.
Humble hospitality is offered to
A small flock of assembled geese.
Discreetly the creatures withdraw
Their ballet forms.
To the water’s edge—
People trickle in with
Inflated objects and egos.
A dark storm emerges.
Wind blows wildly like
The fire of love’s passion.
Sea gulls form a military salute
Face into the wind.
Backwards running movie
Pulls people and their egos
From the lake’s edge.
Road rewinds their silhouettes.
Entrance becomes exodus.
Watch the lake become a land locked
Ocean filled with waves.
Eye of the storm
Brings momentary peace.
It blows once more.
At last calm is restored.
From the dappled stretching shadows
They lead each other
A solitary man and woman.
by Janet Brugos
Lake Tahoe, CA 1991
