Today is a

conflict of emotions.
Laying here on the ground
my spirit assailed by
the grind of life. I
mediate on journeys afar
like flipping on a
banana peel.
The sky is a rosary blue

clouds as dumplings
and I sought aimlessly
for the roast beef.
A canoe awaits.
It gleams red from sunset’s rib

capturing the challenge
I straddle its thwarts

duck paddle in hand
arms measure the wind
my bow like a cannon

striving through cross-currents.
I arise.
I arise.

© Richard L. Provencher