Isle Des Soeurs

For lovers of names

Dipped my toes in the waters of Memprémagog
Today. Stepped over stones to reach the sable.
Mountains of Vermont perched on the southern
Corner. The surface tepid; but just below a current
Kissed with ice. No matter how hot the day
This water belongs to the mountains. Above all:
A name to worship, fear, flee. The waters of Mem-
Phrémagog. Bordered by Magog’s crowded beach,
Québécois dotted like almonds in a croissant,
And the aquiline needle of its church spire
Describing their path to heaven or to hell.


21.06