The Guide

The Guide

Back … and forth,
back…
and forth
sings the leader of my fare’s line
as we glide across the Upper Togue.

Warm windless days are born
from foggy summer mornings
within the shadows of the mountain.

My birds-eye paddle skims
above the surface, balanced,
tip softly dragging, barely,
with just her trailing edge
kissing the water’s surface.

Back … and forth
he whips his line, hoping
that grace will favor efforts
made upon this early morn’
with a sweet sample of
the fish that gave this tract
her name.

I gaze off, reflecting,
on choices made
in younger days.

I grew up in this man’s world,
among the crush of urban life.
But I will not return
to a world of constant stress.

Back and forth he and others travel
to spend some time in this land
that time forgot. But yet,
they neglect to live their lives,
and often dwell upon regret.

Relaxed, and solemn, drifting by,
I turn our craft towards home.

I reflect upon the life I chose,
the peace I found that brought me joy,
the simple pleasures of my ways.
Others may see more within their lives,
but in my own way, I will log
my back and forth reply.