we rented canoes for the weekend
untouched by the weight of distance
until the path rose before us
nearly a mile pulling us uphill
the paddles felt lighter in water
the boats were beasts on our backs
we laughed between the gasps of air
fingers gripping sweat streaked wood
the silence echoed louder than pain
steps heavy as the forest watched
how we learned the art of surrender
to earth\'s quiet unforgiving demand
by the time we reached the edge
the lake undressed in soft surrender
the water kissed reflections of sky
and we forgave the climb silently