As the afternoon closes on four, the earlier clouds break apart. The brightest sunlight since Saturday bathes the west end of the deck. Tamarack leaves rustle in a passing breeze. Soon, Frankie will return. Then we’ll visit the farmers’ market in Jeffersonville before the family bonfire tonight.

sedentary leisure tomatoes ripening on the rail

We pulled into the parking lot of the deli-bakery—gas station next to the Family Table. When we looked down the rise, we saw only parked cars beside the boat launch. No Farmers’ Market. After asking around, we found it. A horseshoe of tents surrounded a stage, selling the same tourist-trap regalia sold at the Family Vermont Country Fair back on the resort.

fresh lettuce two acoustic guitars playing the Band

After we arrive early enough to the Bonfire, Frankie roasts marshmallows before the sing-along. We bite into our smores and lose ourselves in its sweet sensation. After dark, Goodtime Charlie leads the sing-along. We laugh later over how he doesn’t change “one iota.”

firelight Frankie’s tears at “Leaving on a Jet Plane”

Photo by Tegan Mierle

first published in Image Curve, May 23, 2019