It was the longest day of the year
Solstice in the northern hemisphere
We stood at water’s edge, in silence
Marveling at the surreal atmosphere
Though afterglow’s still an hour away
The slanting rays of the sun, setting on cue
Transformed the ice-cold water of the lake
Into a metallic mirror of greens and blue
The lake itself was a grand amphitheater
Tranquil; a shimmering turquoise surface,
A painted ice rink; and any time soon
Speed skaters could appear to start a race
On both sides, towering, chiseled mountains
Covered by evergreens like hands in prayer
The hilltops hidden by low-lying clouds
Simply spectacular in the afternoon sun’s glare
Across the lake, directly in front of us
Tall peaks, snow covered even in early summer
And in the middle of our Maker’s masterpiece
A relic from our distant past, Victoria glacier
The sun’s behind us, and its blinding rays
Reflected on the glacier between the hills
But with sun glasses, shielding our eyes
We witnessed a panorama that gave us chills
We stayed at water’s edge until nightfall
When shadows wiped out the breath-taking view
Glad to have seen a memorial from another age
Before it vanishes, because of what men do...
07-16-2015
© Vic A Evora