Poems
AN UPPER STRAITS SUMMER
An Upper Straits summer has gone
But the memories of fun linger on
Tubing behind a fast boat
Bouncing on a speeding float
Laughing and screaming on a fast turn
Get the lotion, we have a sun burn
Anchored boats on the east end
Wishing the day would never end
Tipping cold beers from the big ice chest
Red sun setting in the west
Elaborate picnics on floating decks
Table cloths with big red checks
Volleyball games on the sand bar
Rap music blasting from boats afar
Fireworks and parties on the 4th of July
Flashes and booms disrupt the quiet night sky
Picnic tables laden with food filled plates
Hamburgers cooking on red hot grates
Children playing in the water on a sunny afternoon
Moms! Don’t call us out, it’s way too soon
Young toes in the water, little hands in the sand
Colorful beach toys blanket the land
A dog fetching balls, splashing and howling
Children getting shivers, time out for a toweling
Cruising on calm warm nights
Passing boats with red and green lights
Music concerts, dancing in the sand
Rocking music from the neighborhood band
Swinging, singing, music in the park
Children laughing and playing in the dark
Evening party at the neighbor down the street
Drinks and snacks and desserts, so sweet
Hot night, mosquitoes bite
Drinks and conversation by the fire light
Snoozing in a hammock near the lake shore
Don’t let the bugs fly in the sliding door
Solitary skier breaks the morning calm
Skiing for hours require soothing Tiger Balm
Wake Boarders spin and somersault in the air
Watching the acrobatics is like a county fair
Jet skis racing up and down the lake
The speed they are going get a double take
Red lobsters boiling in the big silver pots
Neighbors passing out Jello Shots
Tables decorated with crackers and pails
Clams and claws and lobster tails
Pontoon boats locked in long floating piers
A ski boat towing seven slalom skiers
A dinner of clams and lobsters, a big delight
Dancing under the stars through the night
A fisherman out for an evening troll
A big bass or pike is his ultimate goal
Kids Fishing Contest, trophies won
Smiles as wide as the setting sun
Dipping for minnows along the shore
It is fun because there is always more
Thunderstorms howling in the twilight
The weather passes, let the concert delight
Rock band playing under a dry tent
Audience and musicians finally content
Lakes getting lower, see the boulder
Seasons changing, waters getting colder
Boats in dry dock, more being pulled out
No swimmers, less boats, its Fall, no doubt!
Contestants taste the Chili and Apple Pie
Summers last, we smile and sigh
Jim Cherfoli 2007
