I strip off all vestiges
Of civilization
And stand at the lake’s edge
As I was born.
The moon’s beaming face
Spreads its glow on my silken skin, and
The water, still as glass,
Tantalizes.
Gingerly I step in and
The mud squishes between my toes.
The icy water reaches for me
Until I break the glassy stillness
And plunge in.
The water lilies and duckweed
Tickle my torso
And, enjoying the show,
Hazy stars wink at me.
I swim until my muscles ache
And the moon plays hide and seek
Behind the clouds.
I escape the cold and run to camp
Where I throw
More wood on the fire.

Lake Durant, the Adirondacks 9/19/02