Walking ‘Round The Lake

Last week, Sue and I walked around Lake Harriet during our annual visit to Minnesota- one of the many beautiful lakes in Minneapolis. I met Sue in the Twin Cities. I began my Rabbinate at Temple Israel.
Walking around a lake is a quintessential Minneapolis pastime.
This poem/song is a reflection on the passage of time and the power of love.

Walking round the lake

July 8, 2019

Words and Music © Rabbi Joe Black

All Rights Reserved

Walking round the lake

The memories keep flooding in

Each time you circle round

It’s sometimes hard to take - 

Footsteps bring you closer

As you dream about the sound.

Of endless days and longer strides

And winsome grooms and bashful brides

And paths you crossed when you were in your prime.

The wonder of a furtive glance

The promise of a new romance

Remembering a different, younger time.

Walking round the lake

You take a pause to catch your breath

And feel the wear and tear

The little creaks and aches

Reminding you to take it slow

Your legs are worse for wear.

But then you stop and look above

You hold her hand and feel the love

And think about the steps that led you here

Although it twisted with your fate

The path you took was worth the weight

You’ve shared it with the one you love so dear

Walking round the lake

You stop and sit upon a bench

Thankful for the breeze

What once was so opaque

Now shimmers like a dragon fly

That floats beneath the trees

Then you lose your shoes and free your feet

You dip your toes to beat the heat

And watch the ripples glisten in the sun

If life is just a circle game

Then I’ll take another turn again

And do my best to play until I’m done

Walking round the lake

The memories keep flooding in

Each time you circle round

Like frosting on a cake

You taste the simple sweetness

That you’ve found

And love is all around