Golden sweet light washes over the serene landscape,
beams of radiance reflect into my eyes, forcing them to close.
I hear giggles from my friend seated beside me.
I open my eyes for a moment, braving the light.
I see my friends, draped over the seats of the pontoon.
Someone tells a joke, we all laugh as the sun sinks below the willows,
first in scarlet hues,
    which fade to dusky purples and pinks,
                          and finally to an ink black sky full of stars.
Moonlight shines on hair
and lanterns from lake cottages twinkle on shore,
our laughter still carrying across the water.
Chilled vinyl seats send a shiver up my spine,
I wish I had thought to bring a blanket.