Moonlit Paddle

The September night was unseasonably warm
sporting a full moon and calm waters
Nighttime, the marshy stream holds magical realities
reflecting eerie silhouettes of beauty
the moon, stars, trees along the shoreline
Drifting along and gazing down into the reflecting sky,
you're sometimes not sure if your
journey is of the water or the air
Bats flutter about and occasionally their flight pattern
intersects yours as you skim stealthily across the surface
Haunting calls from unknown species
as well as your familiar friends –
the loons and bullfrogs
And who knew ducks were creatures of the night till their large flapping
wings emerge from the shadows,
a distinctive squawk emitting friendly greetings of welcome
to the evening marsh
It's easy to lose the channel and find yourself bushwhacking through
the wild rice that grows in dense patches throughout the stream
gliding blindly, reeds hitting your face,
trusting that open water is just up ahead
Sitting in their kayaks, faces turned upwards, inhaling the sweet smells
and feeling a warmth from the bright moon
the four friends break open a beer and drink
to the enchantment of of the night
before reluctantly turning to begin their paddle

back to the familiar.