The Law of First Things

The first time I laid eyes on our Osisko
Lake in northern Quebec I was three years of
Age unknowing dangers of falling into
The lake but mesmerized by the climbing
Whine of propeller engines and blanking from
My mind the whip on butt from dad’s alder

The first time I caught a fish I must have been close
To ten and determined to prove I had the patience
And determination to get the worm on properly
Then flinging the line from my willow rod
just about perfect between two hanging branches
Ready to tangle my line and protect my victims but
I did manage to get the spot soon watching
My prize wiggle in the air before plopping beside
My feet and me watching its bulgy eyes plead

The first time I tented out with friends
We slept under a diamond sky full of stars and
I’m sure they wanted to pluck me from my
Sleeping bag and hoping they would really do so

The first time I worked full-time after high school
Was at Noranda Copper mine and as I stood
In front of its sprawling site with two giant smoke
stacks belching sulphur gas I cringed thinking
of my own dad spending ten years there since it
was the only job left after returning from WW 11

The first time I tasted fullness of love was at
Niagara Falls a place for all young of heart lovers
Where the roar of water falling was drowned
Out by the beauty of my wife’s smile as I
Joined her in the mystery of life’s blessings

The first time the oldest of our four children
Left the nest Susan was eager to be on her own and
Sprout the wings we talked about as she tackled
A full-time job as waitress by the Sarnia International
Bridge and us worrying about the boys she would
Meet since she was such a pretty thing and so smart

The first time I turned 69 I wondered if I was over the
Hill remembering from my youth thirty was considered
Old and anyone who managed to reach sixty was
Ancient but almost seventy was something of historical
Vintage and looking in the mirror wondering how I
Made the journey which took me through more hills
Than valleys where I learned to dash between the lines.

© Richard L. Provencher
Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/