The rain-rinsed road falls over the next hill
Curves through wild moraines, pea green kettles
Thunder skulks away to the east
The sun’s heat is patient above breaking clouds
Distant squeals of children pull us around the corner
We flash our pass to the ranger
Roll into the parking lot
Grab towels and toys
Flip-flop across the steamy pavement
Drop our gear and barefoot it into the lake
Run splash paddle dive
Hold your breath; go deep to grab the shells
Float with the cool water on our back
Warm light on our faces


© by Virginia Scholtz.
Used with the author’s permission.