Sonnet 1 – Billings Lake

Retreating glaciers carved the earth below,
to leave a quilt of lakes upon the land,
where winding threads of river shining flow,
and birch and elm and pine take up their stand.
Canoe, our passage in this ancient world,
On bright-eyed morn, the water dark and glass,
Wood paddle stroke creates a gentle swirl,
The sunrise, pink orange blue, on surface cast.
The silence of this ancient world runs deep,
As drifting silently we still our souls,
Immersed and quiet now, to hold and keep
This moment, gift, and world alive and whole.
Tis prayer to sit here on this woven seat,
Hand dipped in water, touching coolness sweet.