54

Watching the big red paddle wheel roll

the paddle pushes through the river at a rapid pace

an endless spray leaps up and falls back down

large droplets form, merge back into place

Watching the big red paddle wheel roll

this big boat casts a long gentle wake

arcing out towards the shore in a graceful swirl

sun born shadows, shimmers, sparkle from each wave

Watching the big red paddle wheel roll

muddy river water splashing upon my face

the river’s churned deep, though it appears 

that the big red boards only skim the surface

Watching the big red paddle wheel roll

in its constantly changing fluid state,

circles, all of life is circles, cycles, 

love rises and falls, hearts ignoring fate.

Watching the big red paddle wheel roll

water displaced in the paddles muddy foam, 

rhythmically pulsing, continually rolling, 

pushing this boat down river, towards home.