It Was the Third of June
June Second at the beach we played scrabble
He protested the use of “ode”
I told him of the “Ode to Billy Joe”
With friends we laughed the entire way home
And when they left, Daniel proposed
He tied a string 'round my finger, said it would be replaced by a ring
It was the Third of June
(another sleepy, sandy Florida day)
When Daniel picked me up for a dip in Dog Lake
I suggested we swim across
He was reluctant, but swam anyway
Reaching the middle of the lake
“I can’t make it,” he called to me
“You’re kidding,” I laughed, turning to see
Daniel splashing futilely
Although I tried to pull him to shore,
We crossed underwater plants
He must have thought they were snakes and broke away
Dark water with tannic acid
Where did he go? I screamed for help
The search was underway when paramedics arrived
Linking hands, everyone walked into the water
But it was Daniel’s friend Art who found his hand
“It was like he was reaching out to me,” he said
Of course, it was too late
My sweet man had met his fate
And I made a vow
Every June Third, I drive out to Dog Lake
Remembering the good times we shared
And praying Daniel found eternal rest
*Entry for Joann’s contest. True story.
Copyright © Carolyn Devonshire | Year Posted 2012
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