Paddles lap softly
against water, dark as coal.
A calm mind within.

The cry of a loon,
eerie and hollow-    silence.
Red sun gently lows.

Water color scene-
water blurring into sky,
uniting as one.

Foolish gulls argue
for the remains of our catch.
Eagles claim their fill.

With each paddle stroke,
drive shoulders and back against
ruthless wind and waves.

Dull red pictographs-
reminders of the old ways
abandoned by time.