Climbing Dugs
VI of VI from An Adirondack Guide
Radiant, just radiant
the sun rising over the Dugs,
wistful clouds lifting from
Whittaker Lake’s bed.
The boys are eager, first hike,
canoes and packs are readied,
layers of new adventure
laid out for the day.
Buoyant spirits play across
The water, unaware of the pain
a simple trail over a gentle
pair of mountains will bring.
Each step, each child,
an expression of nature,
lush undergrowth, bees buzzing,
boys larking, save one.
One barking, then tearing,
then done, just done,
thick in the breast of the
forest hills, no consoling.
Cajoled to the top,
relief is transient, he’s
uncomfortable as a birch
crowded by hemlocks.
While the gang frolics over
campfire burgers and pie,
he and I paddle a canoe
over the dimming lake.
He seems calm, what did you say?
I kept my silence and allowed
The lake to hold us.
Copyright © Kenric P. Nelson, 2021. All Rights Reserved.
from An Adirondack Guide
