I know that we said we’d post a poem every Monday, but. Today I’m going to vary from that and tell a story that accompanies my newest painting entitled “The Bear Lake Monster”. My grand kids have repeatedly asked me about the Bear Lake Monster because I grew up there and spent much time at the beach. When I tell them that I’ve never seen it, they press me for my opinion about it’s appearance. Well, let’s put the question to rest:
The last rays of the sun had just disappeared from the rolling mountains that form the border on the east side of Bear Lake. It was a refreshingly cool summer evening, the first night at the Lakeside Lodge. Everyone had come to a family get-together: Grandma & Grandpa & their 3 children and spouses & 6 grand kids. The day was mostly spent unpacking and exploring the cabin and surrounding lake property. There had even been an excursion to North Beach with sun, waves and lots of sand (much of which made it’s way back to the cabin.) The littlest ones were now being bathed to remove it from their feet. Grandma was cleaning up the dishes and food in the kitchen. Others had gathered in the family room with immense windows facing the lake. As evening drew near, the blinds were lowered, creating a cozy den that now hosted much conversation, frivolity, and silliness.
Two small ones, still awaiting their bath time, had escaped to the yard and were trampling about on the wooden pier, feeling like conquerors of the lake and all surrounding area. In the stillness of the lake, one pointed out the large ripple passing by a short distance out.
Without warning, and silently, except for the sudden splash of waves, the ripple rose from the lake in all it’s immensity, revealing, in it’s wake a huge, fin-backed, blue-purple-silver shimmering monster, who had stopped in it’s powerful swim, planted all four legs in the lake, and with purpose and intent, turned it’s head to stare directly at the two children, now frozen on the end of the pier. For a moment, the beast was motionless and although it’s eyes were yellow, large, and piercing, the stare was not threatening, just a quiet, curious glance at the two figures. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it submerged itself and continued swimming northward, it’s sturdy fin slowly disappearing in the distance.
The two were wordless for just a few seconds, and then explosively hurled themselves into the cabin to relate the tale to the family, who were oblivious of all outside events, and skeptically patronizing to the tale now told with great animation and wide eyes.
And so, the legend of the Bear Lake Monster lived, at least in the hearts of the two.
