Boating

Crisp, light air

Stinging the cheek muscles and

Tugging at hair follicles

Burning wide-open eyes until they well-up with water

Last seen streaming down to the chin

The cooling of the breeze;

It's so quiet you can hear yourself think

Waves rock your body up and down, back and forth

Open freedom humms and buzzes under the just-too-warm sunshine

Up front the bow jumps wildly in the air

Like an animal in the wild

Smooth and fast

Free and powerful

An unsteady walk to the stern

A time-out from the action

A side-view of the sprawling forests

Clean and well-kept beaches

And a massive divide;

Cut deep into the earth's temporary shape

Fanning out and slowly falling back in line

A long day of excitement

A good laugh

Strengthened bonds

A picnic in the wilderness

And more good memories

Of success