Red Lake

Red Lake,

that is your name;

Ikwe of my daydreams.

My anticipation preceded our meeting.

I expected a sunny smile

and a warm embrace.

Instead,

you have turned your

cloudy countenance towards me,

and chilled me in your wintery embrace.

I should never take you for granted.

Will you thaw

before I leave?

Or will I have to tread softly

along your icy byways

for the rest of my visit?

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Ĭk·wā´: woman