crane lake

the call of the loons feels distant
it’s a different place and time
where the cattails sway back and forth
and crane lake shines crystalline

great rivalries we invented
with the land blanketed in night
stars illuminated made-up worlds
we didn’t even need flashlights

crowded ‘round the campfire singing
about needing home for a rest
drinking wine from a solo cup
'til the sun breaks the loon’s nest

blood pumping, ashes smouldering
stumbling to tents across the lawn
i’m still chasing those kindling days
the way crane lake reflects the dawn