The WaterՉs Way
I walk with others and I reach my river friend. It is saying hello with its happy splashes. I follow the grassy shore and take in the sounds and picture of where I am. A sense of calm overtakes me. I welcome it. I approach my friend and caress its soft face. I mused over the river for several minutes.
I looked down at the canoe I have decorated. It is about me. Pictures describing who I am. My mood becomes a little anxious. I remember why I am here. I am going to leave my canoe with my friend, never to see it again. I little piece of me sent out to into the world.
The time comes and I choose to set my canoe gently like passing a child to a trusted care taker. I know it will be experiencing all new things. They will be scary, exciting, and beautiful. All adventures creating memories that I cannot do myself. The river cradles my canoe and guides it into the current.
Then my canoe joins the other canoes given to the river excited to be with its friends. It didnՉt say good-bye. But I realize that its adventure is just beginning, and I am happy for it.
I donՉt know where it is headed and how far it will go. I imagine it traveling past familiar places I have been reminiscing about the things I did. It continues on to places far from me. Places I would have never considered visiting. The canoe loves exploring everywhere it passes. It stops and makes new friends with the people who find it along its way. Having to say goodbye to so many as they release back to the river.
It moves on quiet currents, bubbling waves and rushing rapids. It gets dizzy int the eddies to falls into. It even slides under the ice. Its might even meet a friend when it is picked up through a fishing hole.
I am not sure how far it will go, but hope it has many opportunities to be found all down the river. Maybe it will reach the ocean for the greatest adventure of all.
I will be able to track its journey with pictures, like getting postcards wishing I were there. But eventually the trail will turn cold and my canoe will be gone.
One day, when I least expect it, a new picture will appear. I will see marks on the canoe telling all its stories. I feel happy and proud. It has gone the WaterՉs Way.