Don't forget to look at the lake

Silverlake is a speck, a blue spot 

A reservoir of some millions of gallons

 Home for wayward sea birds 

The glimmer mostly ignored By the sundry hipsters strolling there

 Still that silver lake was part of our days Dreary and mundane

 My daughter and I drove past

 While we navigated unsteadily Together on a stormy sea

 I, supposed to be taking the helm 

“Don’t forget to look at the lake” The wisest words I ever gave her

 Where tears, curses, and heartbreak Made the view murky and sad

 We sipped those moments in the azure depth 

Taking a pure draught in the raining ashes

 Letting a few wayfarers of blood Settle sweetly while we drifted 

“Don’t forget to look at the lake”

Jewels of light dancing on the windblown water

 Death, divorce, depression all softened some

 When we shouted at each other, releasing hate

 Sharing blame for our failures

 Silverlake answered those calls too

“Don’t forget to look at the lake” 

Even the sad throb of defeat Quieted in the dark water there

A heron broke from the nest

High in the Eucalyptus branches

reflected in the mirrors below

"Don't forget to look at the lake"

 When love asked to come in once again

 I remembered and each window glance

The moments adding up as balm 

Each sliver of hopeful sight That came in on cool currents

“Don’t forget to look at the lake”