From the shore, mirror smooth water lies velvet flat in the early day.
Settling my scull down sends a ripple
expanding concentrically across the bay.It is early so the air is cool and clear, noises
dampened by the remoteness of this space
I ease the riggers and oars down,
slide the seat back and settle myself in place.
Sandals off, feet secured now I move
for balance with oars at rest on the water
I breathe the pure air; relax my hands,
arms, my mind clears of all other matter.
It is time to start, knees bent, arms straight,
the oar blades twisted ready for a first bite
Legs straightening I feel the water resist,
the movement starts, balance to keep the pull right.
Now back for the second stroke, less resistance,
the boat rising on a plane, increases speed
Glassy water below, images sliding by,
sand, shells, the cool green of seaweed.The continuous flow, body, oars, scull,
soft water sounds make a water dance
Concentration focused on the purity of the motion ending in an encompassing trance.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see a solitary
light house, cormorants balancing on a fishing weir
The flat blue of the water stretches
on for a mile, the view open, clear.
But I am with friends in their kayaks
who are moving behind at a slower pace
Drawn back, I am now aware of their image,
bright color, water bottle, paddle, a face.
Now we move as a body, past the weir,
the lighthouse, into the Sound,
Enjoying the massage of the waves,
conversation, letting nature surround.
We pull off the water after a while,
breaking the trance when we touch the beach
Comfortable on the sand we eat our lunch with the water still within our reach.
Water is in my genes.
When I ride with it, it fills my soul
I move with it, I respect its strength,
power, the alignment is whole.
It was a beautiful day and this brings back good memories. Keep writing.
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