Gambling with Life

Gambling with Life

A scorching summer day,
our boat rocks gently on Crystal Lake.
Drifting in the Land of Nod,
dreams sail down stream.

Fish startle the stillness,
suddenly leap free of the water.
I watch your sun kissed face.
a boyish grin in love with nature.

What was the chance?
The two of us together.
Destiny, fate, kiss of the stars,
wishes can come true.

Suddenly, scarlet pools
fish attack one another.
Neptune is angry, King of the Sea
ghostly waves reach for me.

The sky turns black
like a Devil's arms.
Shoreline fades, pelting rain
Thor's thunder bolt pierces a tree.

My body, charged with electricity,
as lightening illuminates the sky.
I look to you for help.
Your face, a ghostly mask, cripples me.

A minnow in a hungry pool,
helplessly, I was the fool.
Where did you go?
I watch you walk across the water.

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By Kathie Stehr

28 lines free verse