Lake Eppalock

Silver waters, stretching far and calm. A vast expanse of peace.

A solemn sheet of steel grey clouds, stretched taut in a flat sky-frame.
Fractures in two places invite through the red flame of the sun,
the remnants of daylight bidding gentle and welcome farewell.

Sentinel trees silhouetted against the rapidly-darkening sky silently block some lake from my view.

Forked lightning fluoresces, brilliantly igniting the band of cloud,
infusing the sky with its boldness – daring, confident, self-assured. 
Intermittent illumination belongs in this immense space, this expansive time and boundless place.

Serenity envelops me as I watch the coruscations come and go.
Cosmic magnificence pierces the velvet darkness, momentarily depriving it of its shroud.

Black night and white light are strong, yet not competitors, for they thrill in harmony.
Exquisite.

The fiery glow has dissipated from the sky, vibrant solar energy at rest for another night.
The conquest of the day; the lightning bolts linger in the dark and my spirits rise to meet them. 
Warm and cared for, I’m so exuberant that I must hold myself tight, 
for fear I will
lose this tender moment if I do not,
shatter if I let myself go,
sleep only to find I’m living a beautiful, rare dream
that has disappeared on awakening.