Renewal

Thoughts on a lovely college reunion of friends on beautiful Lake Charlotte in Buffalo, Minnesota. 
​
A much-needed respite,
four years in the making
a precious weekend away 
Where heavy hearts were lifted
By a reunion of dear old friends.  
 
In an unexpected return
to a bubble of solace,  
A place where even as the years pass,
So easily we boomerang back to
that easy "pick-up-where-we-left-off” effortless banter.
Reminiscing over vodka seltzers
and glasses of Rose on a quiet candlelit screened porch
we safely shared under a starry Minnesota night's sky,
the state of our unions,
our families, both human (and canine),
of competing age-related ailments and
embarrassing bathroom calamities,  
worries over politics and crepey skin,
tearful recollections of parental losses
and how unwittingly we’ve managed
to become in so many ways
just like them.  
 
And in the morning, a new game learned
yet not nearly mastered.
80s tunes in the distance,
a young buck in mirrored sunglasses with pock marked skin
Taught some old broads a few new tricks.
On a pickleball court, 
the latest fad
Antics and laughter ensued,
a sweaty back smile
air guitars jamming on rackets
And soon we became
us again.
 
With every familiar giggle, snort and high five
Reminders of what will never change
and what matter most
What the stretch of time and age
​and life's tribulations can never steal
Four friends
A golden group
Cradled in the calming, warm afternoon waters of Lake Charlotte
We float on,
In gratitude
Of friendships divine
And spirits renewed.