Warren Milne
August 2015
Sweet languid afternoon
Waves murmur ‘gainst rocky shore
Soft zephyr cools the heat of day
As gentle night begins to fall.
Black velvet sky
Dance of myriad shimmering stars
deep quiet of nature, all around
save for haunting call of loon.
Daylight wakens cloudy morn
This Adam rise to gaze anew
At verdant nature, blue lake and sky
give thought to plan of coming day.
A day of travel, just memory now
paddle easy, wind behind
portage hot and heavy climb
now rest, worn body and numb mind.
Make way ‘neath canopy of trees
Lush green of forest floor
Step careful down on root and rock
Path worn by course of countless feet.
Canoe glide quiet over waves
Breeze blows where’er it will
Paddle pushing ever on
And steering so to keep the way.
World of green, where silent firs
drink air and water, sunlight in
look silent on at pass of time
at peace with deep eternity.
My head is light, I’m feeling weak
lie down awhile, find strength anew
strip off wet clothes, cool rest in swamp
last push to end of weary day.
A day too long
of trial and doubt
faint, hot and weak
sweet place of rest.
Beloved Albert
stayed with my steps
lies down with me
as now with cramping hands I write.
Dawn breaks, cloud and warm
my body rise to meet the day
eat early, careful start to move
go slow, let gentle life restore.
Sweet end of day
long portage in the pouring rain
a time of test, past yesterday’s distress
paddle on through rain to quiet rest.
Blue sky and sun break through
and freshen breeze
to raise my spirits
lift my heart anew.
The clouds are back, light rain too
its colder now, a touch of fall
no appetite, a little sick
turn now to start my journey home.
No strength to write
tired to the bone
where is my native joy
just wanting to be home.
The sun comes up
a glorious day
cool still air
and quiet of dawn.
Prosciutto and melon
olive oil and bread
olives and antipasto
a creature of my hunger.
Last day arrives
long day of portage and canoe
sun beating down
but safely home.
End.
Algonquin Park Summer 2015
