Notes About The Poem

The Cursed Lake

He defied tragedy as he rowed
His sturdy boat towards the middle
Of the cursed lake where once
His wife fell into the icy water
And drowned.  He could not swim.

Time passed and he learned to bathe.
For he was not ready to stop rowing.
Every time he was on vacation leave,
He would challenge the cursed lake.
Let’s see if he’ll drown now that she’s dead.

He arrived in the middle of the large lake.
Suddenly he could not move his boat.
Instead, a current dragged him towards
The dreaded place where Sophie had died
And the boat came to a halt.  A wood thrush
Flew down and rested on the farthest bow.  
What a symphonic song it gently warbled!

A breeze rose and the bird flew away.
He felt strength in my arms and began to row
Skirting the shore with its many sandy beaches.
Until he saw a woman waving at him 
Now he admitted she did not look like Sophie,
But had the same red curly hair and lithe figure.
She wanted a lift to her boat house, so he complied.

No word was spoken and off she went.
He rowed to his boat house, changed and got in his car.
The redhead was there thumbing a lift. Hamlet came to his mind:
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." 
Was his destiny running after him?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Gentile Avatar
February 7, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Indeed, so very intriguing Victor! You've created clear and compelling imagery to carry the reader through a range of emotion! I really enjoyed reading it this morning ! So very well done!
Williams Avatar
February 7, 2024 at 3:10 AM
A very sad but intriguing write, dear Victor. It has all the elements of a great story with the added touch of mystery, and in spite of the tragedy, things are about to take a nice turn with the introduction of the Redhead I feel. Shall have to wait and see...Hugs
Buehler Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 8:33 PM
An engaging tale of love and tragedy, which happily ends on a hopeful note. Your stories always captivate, Victor. Expertly written!
George Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 8:31 PM
You have ended the poem in great suspense. We are eager to know what has happened to him next. Victor, you are so imaginative and your fancies soar to mysterious heights....!
Edmonds  Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 5:51 PM
A fascinating read Victor, such a tragic story. Beryl
May Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 11:07 AM
A tragic story and the challenges he faced in dealing with his grief and fears
Andresen Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 3:47 AM
- The memories of the past haunt his interior... a vivid and creatively written story, Victor :) - hugs
Sharma  Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 3:13 AM
Oh wow, this is such an intriguing and mystifying tale, dear Victor. Your wordplay is so profound here with brilliant storytelling skills throughout, as if watching a short video..The atmosphere that you've created here is so poignant and haunting. We come across certain experiences in life, which are beyond our fathoming capabilities..And in that last stanza especially, so much has been said in between the spaces. Compels the reader to dive deep in one's soul..Loved reading this, beautiful work
Sharma  Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 3:14 AM
A true FAV from you, really.. Keep writing and shining always!
Empress Avatar
February 6, 2024 at 1:59 AM
This was very traumatising, and you did the storytelling so well. Ive seen so many drown infront of me, here in the maldives, once it was really disturbing as a father and daughter were snorkeling and father died, i was one of them trying to get help. So this made me think of that. The storytelling here is profound and brilliant imagery too! One of my new faves from you this is! Pleasure reading your work always. Sending you light
DiMino Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 8:44 PM
"No word was spoken and off she went. He rowed to his boat house, changed and got in his car. The redhead was there thumbing a lift. Hamlet came to his mind: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." -- A haunting tale, Victor. Enjoyed very much,
Greenhough Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 7:07 PM
Quite an exciting poem. The woman never speaks. Is she a ghost?
Buhagiar Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 10:19 PM
It was no ghost. It was his fault mainly. Things will be clearer when you read the conclusion.
Baker Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 5:14 PM
Intriguing poetry, Victor. The answer: could be. It is interesting to me, how things happen in this life, without us understanding how or why. The heart often guides us to the next step. Softly open the door to your heart, just a crack, and listen for the whispers of the spirit leading. Blessings my friend. good poetry, engaging with a touch of mystery. I like it. Bill
Hind Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Hmmm, interesting thoughts. I wonder...
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 3:25 PM
Hello Victor, now you need a good ending to this poem. Enjoy your evening my friend. /Darlene/
Cunningham Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 1:23 PM
An air of mystery in your verse Victor, you make the reader hungry for more. Tom
Rose  Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 12:42 PM
I believe there are angels in heaven and they keep us from further danger at times, lovely story Victor,
Kavanagh  Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 12:02 PM
I often ponder these uncanny situations, and wonder would we still notice these signs or omens if not grieving or searching for them, but regardless it’s quite an uplifting poem, cheers David
Kendrick Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 11:24 AM
Creative work that leaves questions in my mind which I see as a really good poem. i am wondering if it she is death in a different form, is she visitation of his dead wife, etc. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Kendrick Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 1:23 PM
Victor, I agree with you about when a person dies, they are gone from this world to a home in one place or the other heaven or hell. I believe people who go to heaven because of their belief in God's Son will come back with Him when Armagedón happens and the final war but until then they are where they are so at least on one thing we agree. Some people write some sci-fi kind of material, etc. so I did not know. Sara K
Buhagiar Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 11:34 AM
I don't believe in the transmigration of souls. These two are different persons.
Poet Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Your lovely story, dear Victor, displays a remarkable level of creativity and poetic finesse. The inclusion of diverse characters in your storytelling adds an enchanting dimension to the overall experience. The mystical and magical undertones within the sphere of love evoke a profound sense of enjoyment.
Rodrigues Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 6:53 AM
Love your writes! So dreamlike!
One Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 6:36 AM
This is very creative and most poetic storytelling dear Victor, nice use of various characters adds a nice touch to it..
Pandit Avatar
February 5, 2024 at 5:57 AM
What a lovely story, Victor. Mystical, magical in realms of love. Much enjoyed!
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