Summer Family Vacation in New Hampshire

walking down the path to the mountain lake
past granite boulders and white birch trees
a small chipmunk darts in front of the leafy path
playing catch me if you can, then disappearing into the woods

in the summer, we like to meet here
where the loudest noise is the trees being blown by a breeze
down by the lake, the family congregates
the elders, who have spent many seasons here
the newborns, and the younger children
enjoying their first summer in what some call God's country

later, the barbecue will be alive with ashen charcoals
hot dogs, burgers, and mom's coleslaw on the picnic table
the kids run to find the best stick for toasting marshmallows

maybe Bob will play some harmonica as the sun sets
all the aunts and uncles will sing the old songs
let's all hope to do this again, soon
maybe next summer.