Boat race

[Based on the boat race in Kerala , India during Onam festival.]

A hundred oarsmen
pierce the water,
spray silver in emerald green.

Sun on ripples, "heave-ho!"
roll of drums
heat and sweat
rush in veins,"heave-ho!"

Silk umbrellas
red and blue
flags flutter, "heave-ho!"
Songsters, pipers, helmsmen,
"heave-ho!"

Slender stern
prow and helm
slither fast.

Every inch of river,
ounce of blood,
chant as one.