A silent river turned gold by the morning sun

The splash of an occasional paddle

The thunderous roar of white water

Eyes narrowed in the cool spray

White frothy water smashing into black rocks

Knees wedged against the canoe sides

A mouth dry as the heart beats faster

Water boils and roars down a narrow chute



Time is suspended, reacting, nothing exits

No thoughts, only the roar of white water

Black rocks and a pounding heart



A moment of terror

A drop, bump and scrape

The canoe drops down the chute

Relief, the big rush

Shouts, smiles and laughter

Exhilaration from fear squarely faced

Once again, the river is silent.