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I still remember the lake

 

 

 

~circa 1990~

A short trip away
just east of Kamloops

past the tumbleweeds
dry grass and searing heat,
an oasis of crystal water
the air -- still,
though not from heat
but from the silence of city living


break out the chairs
the coolers
the fishing gear

cat climbs out of the camper

and suns on the roof
(lazy thing always knew
where the choice spots were)


Riviera Paradise

whispering in the background

 

Whenever I hear that song,

I can still picture the lake,

and the gentle feeling that

I sometimes need to grab on to


cast the line out
and just watch it lazily float back in.
the object isn't to catch a thing --
that would ruin the tranquility,
the moment...
the little slice of heaven

 

 

Author notes

 

Paul Lake Provincial Park, Kamloops, British Columbia (yes, that's Paul Lake in the image)

Riviera Paradise - One of the most beautiful songs in the world. By Stevie Ray Vaughan, and if you've never heard the song before, get your ass over to listen.

This spawned from a topic on the forums by AutoPilate, and a comment made by kyew who posted a link to the song. When I heard it, I was taken back to 1990 and easier times.

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Comments

1 - 8 of 8

  • reinhardt-napoleon
    October 20

    Edit | Reply
    Although I like poems that rhyme, this one fscinates me without it. There is something beautiful about this work. I like how you created a clear picture of this little spot of bliss.
    There could probably be a nicer connection between the cat and the song, although it is good the way it is, obviously!
    Thank you for sharing
    Cherish, dream, live
    Joey

  • abu nuwas
    September 10
    Edit | Reply

    Plenty of wilderness

    I envy you so vast a stretch of land. I am afraid the poem and its inspiration and a song, really were confusing.


  • catz Moderators member
    August 28

    Edit | Reply
    This is my kind of place, a nice body of water, shade trees, the tranquility of the moments spent just relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. Sure makes me wish I wasn't in hot Phoenix, Arizona. It was another day of scorching heat... 101 degrees at 10 PM after a day of 113 degrees.
    Oh how I miss the Northwest.

    Your poem is lovely, very wistful, filled with those moments of long ago. A wonderful piece and I wish you best in the contest

    Dee


  • Grundle
    August 14
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks for taking me from the workplace to the serene beauty of a wilderness escape

  • mayer
    August 9

    Edit | Reply

    Great

    Wonderful image. I also have a lake that made a major impact on my life. Also, I got to see Stevie Ray play Madison Square Garden - he and Jeff Beck on the same show. Seems like it was yesterday. LIke this very much - little slice of Heaven.


  • wattle silver member
    June 25

    Edit | Reply
    My advice. Never return to Paul Lake. Sometimes our memories are better left alone to hold us while we wander. Thank you.


  • kyew
    June 18

    Edit | Reply
    wow! you didn't rhyme! lol

    nostalgic and comforting even though I wasn't there like I said I was lol

    a note about fishing... if the object were to get a fish every time, it would be called 'catching', not 'fishing'.


    • Barbara gold member
      June 20
      Edit | Reply
      I hate catching fish. I love the tranquility that comes from casting the line.

      If you ever make it close to Kamloops. I highly recommend the lake. Your cats will love it

1 - 8 of 8