There used to be a pier
On the shores of Lake Erie
Where all the neighborhood kids would go
To cool down, in the Summer.
There used to be fishermen there
On that very pier
Where they would cast their lines out
And wait for the fish, never knowing what the lake would bring.
And sometimes, there were bonfires
Beside the pier, between the rocks, in a patch of sand.
Where the neighbors would smile and share stories
To laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.
And on occasion, there was conflict, at the pier.
Fishermen cannot fish while swimmers swim
Hey kid, don’t throw sand – where’s your Mom or Dad?
But those moments too, passed.
Years have gone since I’ve moved away
Once, I returned, only to find that the waters rose
Where on the shores of Lake Erie
There used to be a pier.
