CANOEIST

I stroke the paddle one more time
today the water's calm and clear
so it carries me a little way
as if suspended in mid-air
above a world of moss and fin

With each smooth and careful stroke
I get nearer to that other shore
which began as a mere hazy dream
oh, so many years before
when this day was unthought of
and tomorrow seemed for ever

Not all strokes cleaved waveless waters
many storms near swamped my journey
tutoring my arms and hands
to navigate through muddy waters
where unseen dangers dwell
Shallows to halt steady progress
Tides to carry me off course
Shoals upon which to crash my vessel

It seemed too many whitecap days
on water clear as chocolate milk
all leading to abrupt delays

But even those imperfect times
were part of my getting here
where I sit among life's gathered rime
as that far shore grows so near