The morning sun rises
Over the Lake of the Ozarks
On a family vacation
In a Post-COVID age
Nearly the Fourth of July
Bass boats and jet skis
Compete with the starlings
Singing the song
Of summertime bliss
From the banks I skip stones
Contemplating the future
Along with the past
The warmth of the sun
And the dark brooding water
Under the surface
Embraced in the cool waves
Lies a sweet respite
From the heat of the sun
And the memories of the desert.