Once Upon a Time

When I came upon
the boat a canoe laying
on the beach alone wasted
and abandoned I could sense
adventure caused that keel
to flounder from the thrill of
heavy waves pounding
against its hull

the fury of wind directing
a course stern man wavering
turning twisting the craft
pointing directly into the thrust
of foamy crests guiding it to
safer water parallel to shore

and the loons departing as
it came sifting through muddy
waters as a ship of yore
speaking the promise of land
determined to ride the next
ripples to shore.

I pass by this memory now
razed by the sun baked
dry to driftwood size gunnels
worn thwarts rotted through
and insides where bended
knees once caressed the wood

such pride upon a wake
ending as memories glad
I am to share the view before
passing this way again.

© Richard L. Provencher