The Oaks - A Farewell Poem by Deanna Samuels

The Oaks Development in Boca Raton
A place I have written about and from so many times
The Oaks, for me, have come to an end
My family moved out from there at the weekend
No more of my walks by the glistening lily pad lake
Or strolling by the bronze garden chair and boy with pet
Will miss the lake shore abundant with spoils of nature
Large empty snail shells; ibis by the water's edge
Reeds, thick and rooty, home for leaping frogs to hide
Swans and ducks wading, a stork aloof upon one leg
The clubhouse grounds and famous tennis courts
With superb pool, restaurant, spa and cabanas
Wonderful mature palms and trees in front and back yards
Spilling over to the roadside, giving shade from midday sun
Gardens full of year-long colourful blooms and foliage
Landscapers and pool guys on weekly duties
Even scurrying lizards and occasional grass snakes
I will miss them all, even the blot on the landscape house
All this has given me so much pleasure and leisure
To walk about, take in the scene, relax in the moment
Now I am looking forward to seeing the new home
To explore the new locale and neighbourhood
There is sure to be lots of new adventures to be found


Written at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 8th June 2017