Lakeside Afternoon. Poem by Fay Slimm

As warmth takes ahold, with Autumn dispensing
Brown-leafing clutter around the Lakeside,
Dragonflies sensing cool days approaching
Slice, noisily buzzing the air, then take hide.

Cafe spilling tables outside provides cheer.
Socially used, makes the coffee cups chink.
Small bikers appearing, when mother's not near
Try tricky-girl cycling, their helmets all pink.

Dogs leading tied owners, cock-a-leg hopping
From stone to wet stone, leaving message of chance.
Now diamonds start glistening on watery topping.
As lake becomes ruffled they change at a glance.

Boats with jacketed would-be sailors come
Paddling furiously around every bird,
Which frightened the small staring toddlers from
Watching the loudest bird-squawking they'd ever heard.

Walking stick hobblers struggle to partake- - -
Young arm-locked lovers without any care.- - -
Flapping swans skim to a halt on the Lake
Flurries of bubbles explode in the air.

Smooth hump-backed monsters errupting in skate-park
Challenging skaters just out for a dare
To scale their tough ironsides, then before dark
Perform clever tricks for any who're there.

So to the seagulls who patiently wait
For any chance to snatch leftover bread.
They dive as we spread crumbs around exit gate
Then we leave the Lakeside, satisfied, to our bed.