Reflections

Twin Peaks

A Man and His Boat

Reflections
(Click for larger size pictures.)

Copyright (C) 2004 Robert S. Rosson. All rights reserved.

He sits on the edge of the dock, bare feet barely above the water.
To the East he sees the leafy Three Islands.

Beyond are the twin peaks of Gunstock and Belknap

Between which the sun has just peeked.

He is dressed in ragged khaki shorts and a navy T-shirt.

The maroon and cream boat is at his side, rocking gently in its three point mooring.

The water ripples slightly in the faint breeze, beaming myriad points of sunlight.

It is a summer morning in New Hampshire.

He looks at his image in the water.

In his 70’s, graying, a bit paunchy,

But not in bad shape, thanks to all those hours in the gym.

And he thinks back on all those years of practice.

He is a physician, newly retired, still dabbling in teaching and research.

He remembers the patients, the triumphs and the tragedies.

Did he always give his best?  Did the successes far outweigh the failures?

Yes! He believes he can answer honestly.

The breeze is picking up; the lake begins to stir.

In the distance a loon emits its mournful cry;

A duck paddles by, her six chicks in tow.

The sun’s rays begin to warm his skin.

It is a summer morning in New Hampshire.

As he reflects, he smiles;

This is not the end of his life,

It is but a new beginning.

Published originally in YJHM August 19, 2004