The Kayakist

by Jennwren

Solo
she paddles
Single
hand-made stick
Double
Blades created from cedar
Navigates
an endless rhumb line
Parallel
To nothing abeam
Perpendicular
To everything afore
Impression
Left to all abaft
Paddle
Dips right
Paddle
Swings amid
Paddle
Dips left
Hips
Cycle opposite each pull
Bow
Pointing to the unknown
But
The rhumb line curves
And the sea is round
Unseen—
She paddles always
Toward her own stern.