When

I was a Boy Scout

of eleven

and tenting often

6 am morning

meant charging to

the lake shore

chilled toes

and other

parts needing

a good wash

and swim

afraid of getting in

over my head.

But I grew up

to do manly things

like at Cochrane Ont.

jumping into

Commanda Lake at

the Winter Fair

and bursting with

pride raced

back to shore.

Now that I have

grown older

and wiser I know

enough not to

repeat such

ridiculous antics.  

(c) 2020 Richard L. Provencher