Boundary Waters

Remaining on the river beach

I wave him off from the launch, wondering how

he settles onto the seat of the canoe no longer a child

a man’s long arms sweeping the swift choppy waves

clean up this room and hang up your clothes, young man…

orange life jacket next to him on the seat

let him learn for himself

he heads for the whitewater paddling cool and sure

realizing his error

he throws the jacket on unzipped

you can’t go!  you didn’t finish your homework…

Churning with sudden fury

the river takes command

I said you’re grounded…!

the boat spinning out-of-control

you can’t make me – I hate you…!

the rapids rumble, thrashing the air

engulfed in a rolling torrent he is gone

On shore I choke for breath, nauseated

strangled by the merciless hands of fear

how will he survive without me?

then in a glimpse I see him

as when from the womb, gasping for life

…it’s a boy…

the crown of carrot hair pops up

buoyant again downstream

why didn’t you call, I was worried…

the canoe rights easily

without struggle they are one

Steering into the boundary lake

he searches the shore for a place to take out

grinning when he spots me waiting for him

shakes the water from his hair

and raises the paddle skyward

claiming victory