by Risa Yost

Created on: October 19, 2009

Heaven's mirror glistens with the reflection of the morning sun. The water, fickle as the breeze, begins to ripple as the wind dances. Flowing rapidly, iridescent liquid surges, forming wrinkles as if the molecules cannot move in an expeditious approach. The rough surface distorts the likeness of the tree's transitioning leaves. Exhibiting chameleon like colors, the water emulates the mood of the earth. The air stands still, and the lake calms as smooth as a plate glass window.

A swan glides creating a wake, and the cygnets bob along anticipating their morning feast. Dipping her head into the water's depths, the swan is startled by a briskly passing fisherman's boat. The aluminum vessel is blinding as the day's light bounces off the side like a fireball. Maneuvering his outboard motor, the fisherman steers toward the pine covered island.

Anchored boats are hovering, allowing children to play in the refreshing swimming hole. Flying like an acrobat, a young boy leaps from the railing of the pontoon boat. Like a stick of dynamite, the water bursts as the boy falls through the surface of the lake's murky depths.

As morning fades into afternoon more people are enjoying the exuberance of Big Pine Island. Tandem black and yellow jet skis weave a sorted pattern of waves down the center of the lake. The water rockets run in circles creating deep and shadowy whirl pools. A loud crack can be heard around the shoreline as a cherry red speed boat nose dives into the eye of the hurricane. The Four Winn's motor whines, as it picks up speed. Soaring past the skis like a ricochet bullet, children squeal with delight as they cling to a trailing tube. Launching high into the air a youngster has lost his grip. Landing in the cool water, he waves his arms for a rescue.

Water crafts circle the shore like marauder sharks searching for their prey. Natives wave at each other and discuss where the barbecue and bonfire will be held later on that night. Women in swim suits soak the rays into their golden sun kissed skin. Men play captain and steer the boat as though they are navigating a maritime ship.

Onlookers coo at the sight of an enormous house boat. A bi-level studio apartment on pontoons, the boat named Slow as Molasses sashays as if it were the king of the road. Suddenly, one feels like he is in Florida watching the electric palm trees and a front porch with Adirondack chairs. Friends riding on the top of the boat howl with laughter as they boogie to the music. Other crafts move out of the way as this liner is too immense to navigate through the traffic.

The sun dips behind the clouds and the populaces begin to plot their course towards home. Within minutes, the smell of barbecue wafts through the air. Each family retreats to their private piece of paradise. An Echo of laughter and merriment is carried over the water. Children run and play catch with a football on the lawn. Mothers chase their children attempting to apply sunscreen and force them to eat their dinner. Dogs chase the mobs of adolescents hoping to get in on the fun.

The moon is visible in the dimming night sky. Smells of barbecue in the air meld into aerations of bonfire smoke. Children's voices recede and the mood on the lake is tranquil.

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