What can YOU say in six sentences?
River Bends
Little diamonds glisten on the ripples of clay-green water as we coast down the river, winding around basalt and sandstone cliffs draped with ash and fir. We paddle ashore for a break and you help me out of my kayak, though I say “I can do it,” but you want to help; you want to be courteous.
As the river bends downstream and we steer through white caps, I realize we must do the same when we’re ashore, but the demands of our daily life divide us like the boulders in the river, each one ready to tip us over. We become propelled into separate streams of hectic torrents that impede our connection — our intimacy, until a smooth straight appears, which is always far and few of them in between.
You try to guide me through the rapids, though I say, “I can do it,” and I find it strange that after all these years, we still don’t know when to help each other and when not to, like the gentleness I needed from you after John died or the attention you needed from me when your mother was sick.
Ahead, another rapid approaches and you reach for my line and pause… I know that I can steer the current by myself now, but this time, I decide I want your help and extend my hand.
As the river bends downstream and we steer through white caps, I realize we must do the same when we’re ashore, but the demands of our daily life divide us like the boulders in the river, each one ready to tip us over. We become propelled into separate streams of hectic torrents that impede our connection — our intimacy, until a smooth straight appears, which is always far and few of them in between.
You try to guide me through the rapids, though I say, “I can do it,” and I find it strange that after all these years, we still don’t know when to help each other and when not to, like the gentleness I needed from you after John died or the attention you needed from me when your mother was sick.
Ahead, another rapid approaches and you reach for my line and pause… I know that I can steer the current by myself now, but this time, I decide I want your help and extend my hand.
Comment
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Comment by Laurita on July 19, 2009 at 9:22am - Beautifully written, Erin. Your subtle touch is always impressive.
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Comment by Jodi MacArthur on July 19, 2009 at 1:03am - Great metaphor with the rapids. I second what Angel says. Fantastic.
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Comment by mike whitney on July 18, 2009 at 10:11am -
Erin,
Lovely, layers of meanings. The trip as metaphor with a glance back, and resolving to let the guy who is obviously crazy about you feel needed, useful. A small gem of minimalist storytelling.
I get the feeling he knows you can do it by yourself, but still offers his hand. Sounds like a keeper to me!
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Comment by Angel Zapata on July 18, 2009 at 8:59am - Another winner here, Erin. It's so difficult, sometimes, to allow others to help us. It's takes a certain level of maturity, and you've painted a perfect example of that.
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Comment by mal on July 18, 2009 at 7:51am - Yes, great focus on the Rapids of Life, and so beautifull told too.........liked it .
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