I told the stranger
not to cross the Lake.
I knew that in a very short time
the Lake would be too rough
and not allow anyone to pass.
He smiled a big smile
and touched my arm,
inviting me
to return to my fire.
In a loud voice,
he announced
it was time to leave,
as he led
his family down to their boats.
With great ceremony
and laughter,
they left.
They were never seen again.

*excerpt from poem Michipeshu Looking for Ghosts
A Bird Within a Ring of Fire, Michael Robinson, 1998