Canoeing The Cumberland River in 1998

We took a trip in the summer of '98
Canoeing down the Cumberland River.
A rented boat, two extra paddles,
A cooler secured with duct tape,
Sunscreen " and we were ready to go.
It was her first time in a canoe,
Her first time on the river " her first time,
With me --
Majestic is overused in language
But relevant in the jagged rock walls
Cascading into rapids, churning white 
Over rocks deposited an Ice Age ago
And in the boulders, glacial deposits --
Monuments to the God who carved the valleys
And molded the mountains around them --
When the river ran to deeper water 
The splash of a paddle broke the 
Rhythm of a beating heart 
And her hair rested on my chest
While the river cradled us 
In her gently flowing arms
And we found serenity with the gar
And the bluegill.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love the way this vignette has two separate stories interwoven. The love story is sweet & done with a light treatment, like a soft breeze. The canoeing story is remarkable becuz you notice many of the same things I enjoy about the outdoors, that is, thinking about the genesis of what I'm looking at in raptures, etc. Love your multi-pronged approach & the delicious details.

[James]

This was our anniversary trip two years after we were married. I had just gotten out of the Army. It was the last time we went anywhere alone for 18 years.

[barleygirl]

Thank you for reminding me why I never had kids! *wink! wink!* (((HUGS)))

[Papaya]

This is beautiful. I can see it all unfolding, this moment that have immortalized.

[James]

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky. It's my favorite place on Earth

[Ruth]

Beautiful...not only the way this piece gives descriptions of the surroundings but also the emotion and nostalgia attached to it, lovely!

[James]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed this. It was a fun trip.

[SleeplessVolcano]

So poetic. I feel like grabbing my canoe now and head for the closest river...:P

"The splash of a paddle broke the
Rhythm of a beating heart".....this line is so vivid.

Great poetry :)

[James]

Glad you enjoyed this little trip down the river. Thank you.

[Lorry]

A beautiful image painted in your words and etched on your memory. Superb.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha James, this is a beautiful memory. Rich in experience that provides a series of effortless images and a raft of emotions pass over me. The thrill, excitement, an intrepid kind of fear, the awe in the majesty of this beautiful unfolding canvas you paint. Arriving finally at serenity. Izzy

[V]

I love the nostalgia this provides, like a poetic description of a vintage photograph. Clear and well-written images. It's thick in vividness, a pulsating past, scenes in a cozy sepia tone. You have stimulated the imaginary part of my mind in lovely way.

[James]

Thank you very much. I am glad you enjoyed it so much.

[V]

I did. You're very welcome.

[Shabeeh Haider]

The way that you have described your surroundings is truly amazing.
And the icing on the cake is the presence of your wonderful companion.

[James]

Thank you, so much. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece

[Great Aunt Astri]

You, er ... in the jagged rock walls? And the cascading rapids? And glacial deposits?
What a wonderful poem! No wonder you found serenity with the gar and the bluegill!