MAN IN THE LAKE

There is a man 

in the lake today

heavy with plastics

and some looting device,

he came for fish or gold

Today it is colder 

than we are used to

all the lawns at perfect ratio

glitter against 

the green 

Orange parka wants to know 

should we call the police

might the man die 

of hypothermia, 

or worse

The beach is empty, 

the bathroom lights all on

that smell, old smell

wet sand 

and lycra

Emma and I used to sit 

fully clothed in summer heat

fixed siamese gaze 

across the lawn

poison dart to every suntan

How long does plastic shield 

against the freezing water?

Dogs don't feel a thing 

as they bound out

to catch their flying sticks

The sun and cold converse, 

the stairs are slick with ice

lifting, sinking, 

guided by the glint

the man stays in the lake