Boating

The crisp, fresh air
Stinging the cheek muscles and
Tugging on hair follicles
Burning wide-open eyes until they well-up with water, soon to be streaming down to the chin

The cool breeze is so quiet you can hear yourself think
The waves rock your body up and down, back and forth
The open freedom humms and buzzes under the 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 adventure and excitement
A good laugh to strengthen family bonds
A picnic in the wilderness
And another good memory
Of success