Remember the Loons, a Villanelle

Remember the loons on Henneman Lake.
Together, we paddle along the shoreline.
We hear a song trio, juvenile plus mates.

It’s a pristine setting, natural not fake,
where lily pads float and clear water shines.
Remember the loons on Henneman Lake.

Three bellies propel with aquatic bird traits,
dive beneath surface, ascend near white pine.
We hear a song trio, juvenile plus mates.

Four otters cavort, then make their escape.
We watch these creatures as they intertwine.
Remember the loons on Henneman Lake.

We kayak past frogs and riverbank grape,
by turtles, cattails, and ducks in a line.
We hear a song trio, juvenile plus mates.

Moments in nature can soften the aches;
it’s a lifegiving gift, restorative time.
Remember the loons on Henneman Lake.
We hear a song trio, juvenile plus mates.

*Henneman Lake is located in Chippewa County,
Wisconsin, USA

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Jeannie E. Roberts has authored four poetry collections and two children’s books. She’s an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, light and goodness seeker. She’s also reader and poetry editor of the online literary magazine Halfway Down the Stairs. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, you can find her drawing and painting, or outdoors photographing her natural surroundings.