Bonfires and Blankets

 

I have placed canoe a-luffing

And the night sky twinkles rare

With delicious pine aroma

Saturating evening's air.

And the paddling is finished

Meditation is the thing.

While the loons from one

Lake's end to other

Both so plaintively must sing.

This my Northland with its freedom

This my wonder filled with joy.

And such thoughts delight

First Nations, timeless

Woodlore to employ.

Only fortnight on the blue lakes

Only bonfires on the stone.

Hatchet, lantern, bucket, blankets

Only furnishings now known.

But I'm glad for this Homecoming.

Terns and owls sing my health

And the Bay, the Bay

My blessing.

And the greatest sort of wealth.