there was Chase Lake
just outside the blue line
on the edge of the Adirondacks. 

Its tea-colored waters warmed
by sun, cooled by underwater
springs. Sunnies and blue gills

easy catches from the dock,
biting on worms or bologna.
Pan fried, a delicious breakfast.

Canoe, rowboat, paddle boat,
freedom on the water. Swimming
to the little island, picking

blueberries for pancakes.
Beavers lodge, otter slide
at Parson’s pond. Every

summer full of magical
surprise, until it all 
suddenly ended.