Loon Song

Author's note: I recently found out that a school that I loved sold their camp in the Adirondacks, where I have many fond memories. This grief inspired some writing, which I have posted below. 

The stars are out by the lake, my friends, the loons are still calling our names

The campfire has just died down, and everything is still the same

The dinner table has just been cleared, the day is coming to an end

And across the lake the mountains are yawning, the mountains are going to bed

And can’t you smell the wood-stove smoke? and can’t you hear the rustle of the pines?

And can’t you remember it just as it was, way back in a simpler time?

And can’t you hear the voices laughing, the cold water nipping at our feet?

And can’t you recall all that has been, must you think of all that shall be?

A tetherball, an old dinner bell, a half-done puzzle is all that remains

A fading story, a faint echo, and nothing ever stays the same

And I can never be a child again, and all my friends are grown

And out by the lake the stars have come out and loons' laughter is our own.