THE LAKE

I walk down to the lake. The moonlight glistens on the trees.
The trees cast their shadow on the lake. The breeze whispers to me.
The full moon streaks the lake with a beautiful yellow light.
A cottage stands by the shore with not a single light on.
I look up and see the stars. Sometimes there are none.
Sometimes the light from the moon drowns out the stars.
This is where I go. This is where I like to sit and think.
Whenever there is a problem I have to think about, this is
. . . . . where you will find me . . . by the lake.

There is a tree stump that I sit on that is on a hill.
It gives me a nice view of the lake. I can see the fish jump.
Sometimes I'll see a raccoon or possum. Sometimes a deer.
I look out over the lake and see trees on the other side.
The moon glistens on them just right to see the birds' nests.
Sometimes I can even see the pines as they fall off.
This is where I go. This is where I like to be alone.
Whenever there is a problem I have to think about, this is
. . . . . where you will find me . . . by the lake.

Now it's time to go swimming. At three in the morning.
Nobody will know until they come and find me.
Nobody will care until their life changes when I'm gone.
Now the moonlight glistens down on the lake.
There's a boat in the middle. My jacket is too tight.
The water is too cold. I'll be here till you find me.
This was where I came. This was where I could be alone.
I've thought about my problems. They're more than I can
. . . . . deal with. This is where you'll find me... in the lake...

. . . . . If you care . . . .