boats on the moorings,
white and weaving on afternoon lake
while geese and graceful swans
swim lazily on shorelines carved with stones
on this day, families bike and walk around,
some with picnic baskets and colorful mats to embrace the sun
young children and teens are running in the field
while elders and women gossip under shaded trees
beyond the lake, the city skyline glitters
but it looks so faraway, as eager feet soak the water
we recall beach holidays and weekend gatherings,
places we like to visit still, as we snap pictures of the day
like the gulls and geese, the children will soon fly away
from the nest, eager to spread their wings
but for now, we are stitching these images:
summer sun, ebb and flow of the tide, cool breeze
we anchor our feet to what matters the most :
the gift of family
Posted for Poetry Jam: What Do I Value Most - My daughter took this picture of our lake over the long weekend. Also for Theme Thursday: Recollections
Sounds like a wonderful weekend, Grace, and your words remind me of many of my own.
ReplyDeleteChildren never forget such weekends.
rick
It sounds as if you shared a lovely time. The water looks gorgeous. Very nice poem Grace, really lovely imagery even without that beautiful pic.
ReplyDeleteYes that is truly what matter most, and a fun time was had near the coast.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! You nailed it Grace, and I love that phrase "stitching these images"
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem and value :-)
"but for now, we are stitching these images:" I like that line. Very pleasant piece on family.
ReplyDeleteWe anchor our feet to what matters most... I loved that line. And you're right... the kids are gone from the nest before you know it... Lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteHow restful your poem feels to me despite all of its activities. And it is a great gift of family--I have a box full of memories that I still dip in for the treasures I find there. (Even if a lot of "stuff" happened, the treasures do too.) I especially like how you got from boats floating and:
ReplyDelete"while geese and graceful swans
swim lazily on shorelines carved with stones"
to
"like the gulls and geese, the children will soon fly away
from the nest, eager to spread their wings"
And then your last 4 lines are exquisite.
Gift of family ... truly that's what matters the most :-)
ReplyDeletewonderful grace...i love the serenity in the moment and in the memories...and anchoring yourself in family...it is what is most important....your imagery just makes me smile and want to sit for a bit...
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful, Grace. I do think that those time with family will live in everyone's heart and soul forever. You are making memories, anchoring family, with these times. And your poem will also be a reminder to them all as well...someday.
ReplyDeletenice ending to the poem, my dear
ReplyDeleteSo lovely... especially:
ReplyDeletelike the gulls and geese, the children will soon fly away
from the nest, eager to spread their wings
but for now, we are stitching these images:
summer sun, ebb and flow of the tide, cool breeze
we anchor our feet to what matters the most :
the gift of family
A beautiful image, positive and well drawn! Carpe diem! :-)
ReplyDeleteyou have painted such an idyllic day of family, fun, and nature.....I went that way too....
ReplyDeleteA resounding 'yes.'
ReplyDeletelike the gulls and geese, the children will soon fly away
ReplyDeletefrom the nest, eager to spread their wings
but for now, we are stitching these images:
summer sun, ebb and flow of the tide, cool breeze
I LOVE these lines. Gorgeous write.
I agree with others here about so many great lines in this poem and lots of truth in it too. I remember when we used to go to the lake and have so many members of the family together. It was truly a wonderful time. Then the boats got sold, next the jet ski's and I just noticed the other day that my life vest is still hanging in the closet. Maybe someday we will get new jet ski's and be able to go out on the lakes again.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also wonderful that you are making so many memories as a family because you are right that there is nothing more important than family. I love every moment I get to spend with family, especially the grandkids.
Thanks for sharing such a great moment in time with us for this weeks Theme Thursday recollections. Really cool!
God bless.
Coming from a huge family, I can honestly say that I don't know what I'd do without them. Family is important. Great poem!
ReplyDeleteYou paint a serene picture here. So many details to take in. The last three stanzas tug at the heartstrings-so true. Enjoy the day :)
ReplyDeletewonderful, Grace!
ReplyDeleteso happy you joined in at Poetry Jam!
♥
Loved the images here...tranquil and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteA great addition to your daily journal of how your weekend went..a forever memory!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet, Grace! There truly is nothing more precious than our families, loved this little moment with yours.
ReplyDeleteSo very true and beautifully expressed. I can hear the seagulls, the lapping waves, and laughing children.
ReplyDelete