I stared out the window
Upon a place of beauty
The water that lay beyond
Such a peaceful setting

A hammock for those lazy days
Spent in the afternoon sun
Tables for all those picnic lunches
After a morning of endless fun

Trees perfect for playtime
In a game of hide and go seek
Count to ten slowly
But don't you dare peak

Echoes of laughter fill my head
As I begin to think of the days
That must have been spent here
As the setting sun gave way

Stormy nights were to come
Preceded with angry stances
Dreams became as hollow
As the tree's own branches

Imagination was lost
Somewhere in the waves
When the wind began to blow
And ruin the peaceful days

But none of this could be seen
Just looking out the window
Life is not selective
There is always a tomorrow

Sometimes I want to press pause
And look out at this one view
Until tomorrow has passed
And another day can start anew

But life is lived in full
And we take it as it comes
But sometimes I wish
Things were always so much fun

I long for the days of picnic lunches
And games played in the sun
And they shall come again
Someday, somehow, with someone
Epic Myst©

Gentle sounds of moving water
The birds' happy songs
Soft blowing breezes
All the summer long

Sitting peacefully, silently
Lost in her sounds
Entranced by her beauty
Surrounded by nature's arms

Forgetting the woes
The hassles of everyday life
Escaping into my own world
Lost in ecstasy

Gentle sun upon my face
Warm and brightly shining
Lands washed in green
The color of life anew

Mother Nature's loving hand
Touching all that is here
The greatest artist of all
She paints our world in beauty

Lost in her art
Surrounded by her songs
Feeling her gentle breath
All her beauty to behold

Touched by her gentle hand
Surrounded by her love
The beauty of our world
Is here for all to share
Star_Fire©

As I sit in this leafy glade,
My mind goes back, remembering when
You and I sat in its shade;
Things were oh so different then.
There, I to you and you to me,
Made a pledge we'd never part.
And on that sturdy, old, oak tree
Carved our initials and a heart.
I ran my fingers through your hair
As you sipped your lemonade.
The day was fine, the weather fair
As we both in hammock laid.
We called this glade our "special place"
And here we'd come to sit and dream.
We'd gaze into each others eyes
And paddle in the crystal stream.
This was our exclusive world:
A world apart, where time stood still.
'Twas here our secret love unfurled:
Our burning passion first fulfilled.
But that was all so long ago;
I ponder, and choke back a tear,
My being wants to hold you so.
And my heart aches to have you near.
Peter Jones©

Let's picnic in the backyard
And enjoy a quiet day
Together as a family
Let's laugh and smile and play

Let's snuggle in the hammock
While the boy fishes at the lake
Together as a couple
Let's give our lives a break

Let's dine beneath the shade tree
Then play a game or two
Together just the three of us
Let's let our love shine thru
emmarie©

Out my window this is what I see
A new day begins, how will it be
To be determined by a thing called fate
As I look across the calm lake

On the patio we have sat and talked
At each other, but never we talk
Down to the lake a path of rocks
There's more to life then his dirty socks

The sun rises up into the sky
Is today the day I say good-bye
It is by faith it all depends
Is this the day our relationship ends

Picnic table sits in the shade
My love of life continues to fade
Burdens of life upon my back
Ready to quit and not look back

The birds in the trees chirp and sing
Waiting to see what tomorrow will bring
So many things have happened here
I'm sure I'll eventually overcome my fear

Just as the mighty oak would say
Tomorrow brings another day
So let it be bright..... not so blue
Remember that I still love you
mwm44©

Lazy days of summer time,
Sitting 'neath the old shade tree.
Watching children leap and play,
Thinking of what used to be.

Drifting backward in the mind,
To the times of being young
Frolic on a summer's eve,
Squealing laughs and childish songs.

Memories so sweet and soft
Give our hearts a stress release.
Kept forever in our souls
They’re retreats that never cease.
Anjaleck©

I have a friend who resides within a 13' view able screen
Who's touched the hearts of those who would,
welcome the girl, named MINN
Don't mention your weakness,
she'll never forget and use it to do battle a'gin ya
Never to mock you, that's not her sin,
she's well meaning as well as a meany!

Have you a problem, she's willing to hear,
on her compassion you can rely.
Just need to vent, get it off your chest...
talk to our gal named MiNN..
Knock on her window,
she'll welcome you in and serve you a cup of java
Egads.!!. this is strong, but.. oh well,
what the hell, I never said she could cook

Lets take a walk to the patio out back..
My God.. what a wonderful view!!!
Under the shade of the old oak tree..
a setting of tranquility
I envision the hustle and bustle of the crowds
clamoring to MINN's for a swim in the lake out back..
just through the gate down to the pier.. CANNONBALL!!

The water churns as the kids squeal and play
during the hottest part of the day
Then there's the siren who blows on her whistle..
oh my.. it's lifeguard MINN
A little too close to the edge of the pier,
the kids seize the moment... pull her in
That's what she gets, I've told her she's all wet..
now.. her own kids have just proved it

She takes it in stride... it's lunch time 'bout now..
they retreat to the shade of the tree
It's time to dry off.. lunch will be served..
soon as hubby gets back from Mickey D's
Hey! she's got kids, we've been there before..
so no one can pass adverse judgment
The kids will concur.. everyone knows,
if you cannot unwrap it... its not food!

Everyone's tired.. so too MINN and the hubster,
they walk hand in hand to the lake
With a twinkle in her eye.. she gazes at the old man..
sending him all the wrong signals
She bolts toward the hammock and laughs at her victory..
Hey! if you snooze you lose
Hubster in shock at the detour of signals..
walks over.. and lovingly tosses her from it

Hubster settles in.. Victor of the hammock,
with MINN.. getting up off her keister
She hikes up her shorts, kicks at the dirt,
indignant... she runs back into the house
Everyone's tired and everyone's fed..
she looks and makes one final head count
Oh oh!,, Lookout!.. It's MINN at the keyboard..
she's just logging into VP!!
Reina©

 Tender is the leaf
 that claims the limb
 swaying in motion
 to summers short beat
 Waters gentle lapping
 dots the senses endlessly
 and I in my romantic heart
 take note to listen
 take note to watch
 take note the rhythm of day
 as it winds onward to
 nights comforting arms.
 Kristin©

Here I sit quite alone,
thinking, looking, napping,
dreaming of this quiet home.

The tree-- you see-- began 1773,
a lake-- so calm-- loons sing,
can you recall, a native America free.

The stones from the Santa Maria's ballast,
or the Nina or Pinta so I like to think,
Almost I see the billowing sails on her mast.

Picnic table's sit since 1983,
which grandpa crafted out of pine,
two--- for the one I love and me.

Gentle mists drift through my mind,
as on the lake on a summer's morn'
I think of times, when things were kind.

Slowly I wake and sadly delegate,
these memories to the past for now,
thankful for a place to contemplate.
Bisonam©

So clearly I can see it now
A place where I grew tall.
Where we would ice skate in winter,
Hike the river banks in fall.

Where friends and family gathered
For any and every reason.
Swimming, parties, fishing, picnics
A celebration for each season.

And now it all comes back to me
Just as the waters roll and flow.
Recollections of my childhood
And how quickly time does go.

*note to Minn, thanks for the memory :)
Trev28©

"Last one in is a rotten egg", the children screamed with glee...
Racing to the river's edge, their spirits soaring free.
"Summer's here... hurrah, hurrah... the best time of the year...
No more school, just time for play", the children all did cheer.
Tommy jumped in forcefully, splashing Julianne.
Sue and Jill walked slowly in, holding hand in hand.
Billy found that old rope, tied tightly to the tree...
And with a mighty swing and jump, he landed upon me.
"I beg your pardon, sir," said I, "you may swim here if you wish...
But please try not to land on me, I'm just a little fish."
Linda2001©

I hear the water on the lake the slow flow of life drifting by
I see the stringed weather worn hammock where I love to lie
The trees surround and shade from harsh sun
Today is a day for fishing- what fun
The lines are ready- let the games begin
See if the wily bass or trout will win or be undone
The bait is iced; a few beers for thirst patrols
While today let us commune with our souls
Don't forget the ones you care
And offer your fun to share
Should they not have the wish to play- don't be mad
But we are not all the same my friends
So if they do not like my fun let them do theirs- don't be sad
You each have your own time to spend
Enjoy the day- let nature speak it's heart
And you will find all the pieces fall into their part
The picnic table stands waiting for savory fun
Perhaps a trout or bass we caught on the old wooden skiff
Perhaps just hot dogs-
beefy with spicy brown mustard packed with relish
Or hamburgers grilled and burnt slightly-
the grease still sizzling as I crunch the crust
Or the saucy hot ribs- with the sauces that tingle the nose-
some curries perhaps
With some slow mustard potato salad with good crunchy celery
Fresh cornbread with honey butter steaming wrapped in napkins
And a baked potato wrapped in foil-- 
steaming hot- fixings galore and bibs
Some mushroom ketchup,
some corona with lime to cleanse the taste
Some fresh juicy ears of corn dripping butter
Tangy with salt -kernels catches in your teeth
Some salt and pepper and vinegar
sprinkling on the fish and lemon to squeeze
The tang of relish puckering sweet, 
the bite of beer making my jaws yawn
The lazy blood flow as I feel the battle of the bulge and my side losing
The peace without resistance-
the Dutch apple pie with vanilla bean blue bell scoops
Lazy day relax and just be
The wind lies still -the gentle plop from a fish
If we catch anything let it be peace
Hmm isn't it time to eat?
PoetsDreams©

He lay upon his day bed
And closed his weary eyes.
He rested but a moment,
Then quickly did he rise.

We sat out on the front porch
And gazed into the yard.
Sharing Cokes and memories,
He soon let down his guard.

"Look out there beside the road.
Those maple trees you see,
Well, they've been here a hundred years,"
My Grandpa said to me.

And in those simple moments,
A priceless gift was made.
A story that would stay with me,
Through time would never fade.

Now it's been many years ago,
My Grandpa told that tale.
But those maple trees are standing still
Outside the front porch rail.

And the lilac bush he planted
With his tender loving hands,
Blooms in tribute to that gentleman
Who used to farm these lands.
KathyK©

As a cloud rises
From the pond
Within my view
The peaceful
Setting
The silence
The dew
Empty tables
Once filled
With laughter
Joy
Remain silent
Vacant
Beckoning
Birds swoop by
Nothing appears
To notice me
Here I sit
In silent reverie
Time for pensiveness as
Meditations fill my head
Time to grieve
Or
Time to fantasize
Time to dream
Or
Time to breathe
Time
Has a hold on me
I rest my head
Close my eyes
Smiling
Contentment
I realize
The world awakes
With sounds
I stretch
I yawn

Good morning
MiNN1©

My backyard was a castle once,
And then it was a ship
The tree house was Mount Everest;
The grass was an airstrip.

It was the stage for noble deeds
And courage beyond ken.
And I could be most anyone:
Churchill, Lincoln, or Glenn.

"Twas there I fought the Armada,
As Drake, I laid them low.
The picnic table - a dog sled,
And I, a sourdough.

On D-Day, as I hit the beach,
The Nazis fell like rain,
Jumping off the picnic table,
Wounded, I lay in pain.

Upon my see-saw stallion horse
I was Sir Lancelot.
The neighbor girl was Guinevere;
The yard was Camelot.

From treetop quarterdeck, I cried:
"Belay the mizzen mast"
(But I did not know what it meant),
So then I called "Avast".

The grass became Culloden Moor;
Prince Charly's forlorn charge.
And as the pipes played the lament,
I sailed off in my barge.

I led my swing-set Cavalry
To save the wagon train,
And then I would gloat over all
The Injuns that I'd slain.

At Yorktown, with Cornwallis' sword,
Saluted when they played
"Yankee Doodle went to Town".
As Tommy marched away.

The Light Brigade was at my heels
We all rode like the wind,
We killed the Russians gleefully.
My men, so disciplined.

The picnic table podium-
Upon it, I declaim,
New-learned, the Gettysburg Address;
To wondrous acclaim.

So wondrous was the cheering crowd,
I tried it once again.
Now Winston Churchill I became,
Victory we shall gain!

Once, when I was in my tree house,
I started the UN.
I masterminded peace on earth,
The world's first citizen.

The tree house was a study once;
I wrote a sweet refrain.
But I, no Shakespeare, realized,
It was a poor quatrain.

Later, insects I found, made me
Charles Darwin, overnight.
That's when I knew that play was done;
It made my mind ignite.

My yard was always fun for me,
Alone, or with a friend.
Imaginary world of mine;
Too bad it had to end.

Sometimes, when things are hard to bear,
I'd like to ride again
A gallant mount - or sail a ship
Upon the Spanish Main.

Such foolish dreams now buried deep
Still pleasing to recall.
I'd play in my backyard again,
If not for Time's footfall.
Cadwalader©

Over the path of stones
Past the tables, hammock resting in the tree
Out beyond the fenced in yard
Lies untamed nature, wild and free

Gazing out upon the water
As it flows steadily by
Time seems to peel away
Marked only by the sun's position in the sky

Surroundings fade to the back of your mind
As you get caught up in the sight
Of the gently flowing river
Sparkling in the light

Forgetting for the moment
All the stresses and the strife
Basking in the wonders
Nature brings to life
Shadow Whysper©

Let this day be yours and mine,
This serene place be a reflection in time,
These calm waters heal and cleanse,
This moment inscribe us always friends.

Our spirits cradled by this warm breeze,
Our hearts lifted by whispering leaves,
Our souls born up by this time together,
In this place, we wish to remain forever.

Though we may be forced to carry on,
Worldly needs compel us to move along,
Deep within we shall carry this moment fair,
In our memories blessed with love rare.....
S.L. Keck©

Let's all go to Minn's place.
Ya know we'll have a ball...
Pipedreams and emmarie will come,
and maybe NeecyD and cluewall.

Bisonam says he'll bring buffalo wings,
and good ole zeb can bring the beer.
Reina can play while gigi sings,
A treat for all to hear!

Weaver will want a turn of course,
Holderof and darkwind too..
but we must find one who'll cook
oh wait.. of course! dawg_isblue!!

Epic says she can't be there.
She will certainly be missed.
But all the others say they will
so let's go down the list.

Kindred_spirit, AncientSoul,
do you know how to dance?
how 'bout you there Cadawalder?
willin' to take a chance?

Hey Bear, did you say karaoke?
How about Linda and Anjaleck?
Gayla, Kristin, Poetsdreams,
then Stolen_Tear and Stu_keck.

Now everyone let's gather 'round,
find a spot underneath the tree...
Fleuretty, crple, limbs and trev,
Angelena, where could they be??

Rnf, dopeyk, Ladies valor and huntess,
Dalila, Shadow, mwm, Kat and Star...
lets hurry and try to round them all up
before they wander off too very far.

But wait, bingo! Where's Minn?
She and hubby are gone for heaven's sake!
Sir_sun thinks somethin's fishy here...
Good Lord LOOK! They're all in the Lake!!
blushin©

Come out, come out, wherever you are.
Allie, allie, all come free.
Show yourself and smile again;
Come out from behind that tree.

Step from the shadow inside my heart;
Come back now to home base.
I give up.  You've hidden well.
I need to see your face.

There's still a bit of daylight left
Before the night sets in.
You play this game so well, my Love.
I quit.  I'm IT.  You win.
Weaver©

Far beyond the ocean,
Far beyond the sea,
Just beneath the clouds,
Is MINN's world, born and free.

Thinking of the wind,
Paints a picture in my mind.
Falling to the grass,
From the world I left behind.

The exhale of fresh air,
Imagining the water at my feet.
Oooooooo, it's cold.
So I guess I'll sit down and eat.

The wind upon your hair,
The dreamer in your eyes.
Night sky rests upon you.
Hoping your heart never dies.

As you rest under the stars,
Wondering what will happen next.
I should bring you a blanket.
So you could sit there and rest.
rnf120©

Look, look there, across the lake
stands the dock I helped to make
lakeside foliage fresh and clean
I can all but taste the green

Giant oak within the court
gushing songbird's shrill retort
gnarled roots invade the earth
spring to summer giving birth

Stones I laid march square on square
look, still hangs the summer chair
how clearly all this I see
here within my memory

Now I lie in cell of stone
waste away the years alone
locked within these prison walls
he that rises also falls

That man took from me, my wife
from that man I took his life
all I crave is gone from me
yet they live..... in memory
Sir_Sun©

The seclusion of Minn's yards means no need for stealth
And viewing natures all can only be good for our health
On paving stones bare feet patter out a hearty beat
As we run from house and home on anticipation's feet
Pale skin gladly greets the suns warm and comforting glow
On skin that the winter months would not dare let us show
With reckless abandonment we dance so joyously free
Out into the open air for neighbors and the world to see
Courage mustered we race to the brink of the waters edge
To be first into the water we both have vowed a pledge
With a proud yell of victory I hit the water first and go under
Then a cold shock of icy water tells of my monstrous blunder
Quickly skin turns a hue of blue as our teeth starts to chatter
Once out into the sun and each others arms it shouldn't matter
But into the warmth my skinny dipping beauty turns and laughs at me
All because women don't understand about cold shrinkage you see
Bear1Mage©
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