Bare Roots by Bob Winegar

the date, June 22, 1972
my birthday
the birth day of Norman White's daughter
who entered this world
amidst the tumult and rage
of a lightning storm
that swept up the Kootenay Lake above Kaslo

John Morton, Bradford Cowern and I stood
high above the lake that afternoon
peeking above the rain swollen clouds
looking down upon jagged spikes of lightning
buffeted by their thunderous reports

hooting and screaming
electrified by the aerial spectacle
behind us
just outside the small cook tent
a massive wheel of cheddar cheese
with a cruising axe embedded in it
just the tool
to cleave a slab
for a sodden, rustic meal

Planting the early days
Bob Winegar
Mendocino CA