along the Alver creek

by Mr. Darcy   Jun 4, 2018


.
Teetering, a leg
at a time, we
balanced
wobbled
then sat in
our inflatable
kayak

today we would
adventure
we would explore
the creek...

Oars stroked
Left, right, left, left...
the kayak creating
Stress inducing
circles away
from the foreshore

on our left,
a vast grass park:
Smoke snaking from
a family barbecue. . .

Children zig-zagged,
playing tag, whilst
sausages sizzled
under a hot sun

shhh,
Quiet...
Hiss...
Air escaping
deflating...
So slowly, as to
Go unnoticed.

For now...

To the right
A couple of
Wading birds,
we laughed at their
funny walk

further along,

Clumps of clinging
Seaweed stuck
to a rusting
People-less pier

Like a bath
emptying
the tide drank
the swelling deep. . .

Until, there was
more weed
than sea

Less air
than was fair

buoyant and boastful
became
deflating and woeful

an unromantic
dredging river dream. . .

Was this the end?
Our Titanic, it seemed
destined to
s
I
n
k

downstream?

Well. . .

With water wasting
fast,
and mud so deep and
vast

We were sticking
Sliding. . .

we did not want to
get stuck in this watery
mud. . .

Ahead: an anchored boat
A chance
A hope

With legs a flapping
We did some splashing
Until we clung to its rope

We clambered aboard
All muddy
And forlorn

No one home
a boat alone. . .

We were safe - true
but, still
stuck like glue

How to get ashore
Across this slush
We saw?

A puzzle presented itself.

But hey, I did say
An idea, I pray. . .

In the boat
Two planks??
I whooped
Gave thanks

These may just
Save the day?

Onto the mud
I threw a plank
fingers crossed -
it'll hold
our weight
our fate

We balanced on one
then with the other one
We threw this ahead
Just a bit

Like the ministry of
funny walks
we passed waders
who squawked
at the two planks
walking to
the safe
alluring
riverbank

slow
slow
quick
quick
s l o w. . .

Across the quick sand
then, finally
onto the shore
We danced
We danced
We danced. . .

we were
on dry land.

.

.

As for more rowing?
We'll take care. . .

The next time,
We'll plan

.

.

- Mr. Darcy
© 2018

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Latest Comments

  • 5 years ago

    by Mark

    Great journey and win! Congrats

    • 5 years ago

      by Mr. Darcy

      Thanks, Mark. A journey I'd rather not repeat! Lol

  • 5 years ago

    by Ben

    MIchael...I wish I had my nominations back :/ .....then again i wish i had a foot and a half thang ;) ...for you only lol!

    On a serious note (trying to keep my shit together) this is one of my favourite writes from you (straight into my favs) the tempo structure were spot on and the images were so vivid that i could literally smell those sausages on the breeze, you painted fine pictures with perfect phrasing and word choices .......I tilt my hat to thee old bean, magical!!

    Ben

    • 5 years ago

      by Ben Pickard

      Michael, I believe this is the first time we have shared the front page and it is a genuine honour to do so with you.

      A massive congratulations, good fellow

  • 5 years ago

    by CJ Maleney

    Absolutely loved this Mr D.

    The initial images you portrayed are amongst some of the things most special to me.

    Then oh my god what have you done!

    Not sure if this is real or fiction but it felt real when reading it.

    If so before going out again consider a proper canoe and research portage.

    Regards as always

    Craig

    • 5 years ago

      by Mr. Darcy

      Thanks, Craig.
      This is a real story. It was quite scary and we honestly thought we were going to get marooned in sinking mud.
      You are right, more research will stop this from happening again.

  • 5 years ago

    by Michael

    Planks! ;0

    Brilliant and really enjoyed reading, had to keep scrolling with more intrigue and a great ending.
    Nice one Mr D :)

  • 5 years ago

    by Em (marmite)

    I absolutely adored this Mr D, truly, it was like the adventure of Mr and Mrs D is poetry haha such a sweet and adventure filled piece possible another dream of yours maybe even hers though it could even be a reality if you have anything to do with it.
    Take care :)

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