Road Trip 2021, Day Eleven (Swimming Hole)

flowing stream, sun bath
is my picture-perfect beach
(dogs and drinks allowed)

more importantly:
teens jumping off the big rock
back to childhood

Road Trip 2021, Day Nine (Waterfalls)

you can’t understand 
the traffic-less upstate life
till you’re on the road

the road with vineyards
and wineries everywhere 
the empty lake roads

you can’t understand 
waterfalls till you’ve seen these
cutting out gorges

if you knew, you’d know
just how perfect this place is
(it’s carved in sandstone)

but you’re not here, right?
so let me spill this clear view:
it’s a waterfall

it’s a waterfall 
that feeds this glacial magic
(also named heaven)

carrying kayaks
down for a pup-and-paddle
oh the lake, the lake

a day on the lake
clear, glistening perfection
formed by hills, glaciers

with a loving pup
and our nearly-grown daughters
the day is a gift

a morning cycle
finished with a lakeside day
breezy adventure

our youngest driver
plowing through rain, construction
toward the great Erie

our road trips have changed 
as the girls become adults
yet, they’re still the same

local food, great views,
the ever-changing weather, 
seeing every state

my pup, lake, camp, board:
seemingly perfect weekend
(calm before the storm)

the weather plagues me
sending wind when there was none
and stealing these views

if i could lift wings,
glide pelican-like, headfirst,
it wouldn’t matter

alas, i must walk
through all the humanoid storms
that we’ve created

the most perfect park
the most perfect afternoon
marred by words, actions

my innocent girl
who only wanted this day
not a broken mom

but it's just a blur
one day bleeds into the next
watered with defeat

sunset’s golden light
shines brighter in the mountains 
with my perfect pup

the mountains call us
with their peak views, quaking aspens
(listen for the call)