Mist hovers above the surface of the water
light creeping from the east, a golden pinky glow
I cut the blade through
the silence,
a heightened awareness
of my insignificance
dawn silhouetting the pines, the land around untouched.

Time stands still, swallowing me whole
morning brightens dull until
a breeze, hot and welcome carries
the unmistakable scent of rain,
while I paddle back across the lake
the wind picks up and
branches bend
whispering secrets of the universe.

Beyond the bow
the rocky shoreline appears, a figure
all five-foot-two of her, squatting by the campfire
Water shimmers, dancing
sweet bacon smoke rises from the skillet, her smile
Quiet pervades as I dip the blade
strong smooth pulls, then twist
My two loves entangled
It’s all I’ve ever needed.

It’s difficult to describe one’s insignificance out on the water in a canoe, the sun breaking and the land around so still. ‘Morning Paddle’ is my attempt to capture the moment. Thanks to Deryck Robertson, EIC of Paddler Press, who included it in “Firelight and Footprints” published Fall 2024. Along with this piece is my first published photograph!