The folk here
are sunny
and unstirred
gently moving 
over red brick
past manicured gardens
along gentle lake—some jogging
some biking
most walking
like thankful lovers
caught up in a rapture

There are happy people here
in gingerbread-trimmed houses 
learning and laughing
looking out
from their evening porch parties
and tipples
while some simply sleep
as night comes softly
(at least until the band comes on)

This place is enchanted:
You are more handsome than God intended
Gershwin serenaded you in the lobby of your inn
Some famous opera diva walked right by you on the plaza
and smiled

Here, everyone is Einstein
the kids all behave (mostly)
and even your blunders
are impeccable
(If only the food were better)

In this dreamy summer place
on the lake
we may quench our thirst
with ice wine 
but it is the daily embrace of intellect
the sharing of quotidian tradition
the passing down 
of wonder
that has fulfilled us
for a thousand seasons.