Day 6- Through the Meadow

Silver Streams

I graze my paddle on the surface of the water,

Ripples caressing the sides of the boat.

The crest of each wave glints silver in the sun,

Like the spark of a match struck to light the dark.

Journal Entry 6

Today was a cloudy, cold day. Not the best day for going to the woods! We went to Eastwood Metro Park for a short hike near the Mad River. I was very careful; hemlock and poison ivy was everywhere! After our hike (and a quick lunch), we went kayaking. I've never been kayaking before, so I was scared I would tip. However, after a few minutes, I was having fun. Paddling was easy, but my arms are sore as I'm typing this. We made a few loops through creeks and ponds. I had a great time but I was grateful to get out so i could change out off my wet and cold clothes! We are supposed to take our experiences from today and our other trips to write a sort narrative, a reflective piece with observations, meanings (simile, symbolism, personification, imagery, etc.), and a clear form of delivery. 

Frozen Nose and Flush Cheeks

I grip the smooth plastic paddle in my hands, flexing my biceps. I feel strong. The breeze is  making waves in the stream that gently rock my boat, I lift the right side of my paddle, and bring it back down to slice through the water as easy as scissors cut paper. Now I bring up the left side to repeat the process. Right again. Left. Right. My shoulders begin to burn; I am pushing myself now. I continue my cycle of alternating left and right strokes. With each pull up, water drips onto my thighs, making the fabric of my pants cling, heavy and cold like a rock, to my legs. As I glide through the water, trees tower above, all at once full of live and ancient and infinite, stretching hopeful branches to the silver sky to beg for a glimmer of sun. My hands, however, are beginning for reprieve. They are the only part of my body that is hot. I lay the paddle across my lap and touch my frozen cheeks. I take a deep breath, but never truly relax, for I still am focused on keeping myself and my boat upright. I know tonight I will sleep soundly, grateful to be warm and dry in my bed, giving my aching muscles a rest.