September 10, 2006

Bumpy Blues

Strange how you know inside me
I measure the time and I stand amazed
Strange how I know inside you
My hand is outstretched toward the damp of the haze

And of course I forgive
I've seen how you live
Like a phoenix you rise from the ashes
You pick up the pieces
And the ghosts in the attic
They never quite leave
And of course I forgive
You've seen how I live
I've got darkness and fears to appease
My voices and analogies
Ambitions like ribbons
Worn bright on my sleeve

Strange how we know each other

Strange how I fit into you
There's a distance erased with the greatest of ease
Strange how you fit into me
A gentle warmth filling the deepest of needs

And with each passing day
The stories we say
Draw us tighter into our addiction
Confirm our conviction
That some kind of miracle
Passed on our heads
And how I am sure
Like never before
Of my reasons for defying reason
Embracing the seasons
We dance through the colors
Both followed and led

Strange how we fit each other

Strange how certain the journey
Time unfolds the petals
For our eyes to see
Strange how this journey's hurting
In ways we accept as part of fate's decree

So we just hold on fast
Acknowledge the past
As lessons exquisitely crafted
Painstakingly drafted
To carve ourselves instruments
That play the music of life
For we don't realize
Our faith in the prize
Unless it's been somehow elusive
How swiftly we choose it
The sacred simplicity
Of you at my side

Eric's Song by Vienna Teng

Vienna Teng is one of my new found favorites. After listening to a few of her songs I went out and bought all 3 of her albums and have yet to find a song I don't like. In the hour and a half drive to Sandy Point I listened to a good number of of her songs. But as I pulled in to the small craft launch the iPod was switched off and put away.

George was already here and had his kayak down on the beach and mine soon sat beside it. Patty arrived as I put the last of my gear in the kayak and a few minutes later Doug arrived. In a few moments Doug announced he had forgotten a paddle, but there were plenty of spares to choose from and he took Katie's Orca paddle over any of the other 'high end' paddles.

We paddled north up the Magothy, and Patty immediately announced her pleasure in paddling the bumpy waters off of Sandy Point. George settled in to find his comfort zone while I discovered muscles that I didn't stretch out beforehand.

The paddle was a mixture of regular wind driven wave sets and a little bit of power boat chop. I paddled in closer to shore to enjoy some of the clapotis created by waves reflecting off the bulkheads and rip rap. It was interesting to note the clapotis was not as strong along the rip rap, but quite pronounced along the very vertical bulkheads.

When we arrived at Magothy Creek I was a bit in the lead as I ducked into the protected waters, surfing in the swells into the calm. I think everyone may have wondered where I went for a moment, so I waited near the mouth as they filed in one by one.

Together again we headed for the back of the creek; maybe 3/4 of a mile or so from the choppy waters we had been paddling in. Near the back we turned to head out and decided to head a bit further up the Magothy before stopping for lunch.

But as we paddled up the Magothy, the wind and waves were blocked by Gibson Island, taking the fun out of the water. It wasn't far before we decided to turn back and have lunch on the beach near Magothy Creek.

After lunch Patty produced huge brownies for everyone. She tried to stick a candle on one and light it in recognition of my birthday. It was a team effort to try and produce fire, but the wind snuffed out every attempt so we faked it.

The trip back was fast and we were soon packed and ready to leave the park, giving up our parking spaces to others not car top launching.

feather moon
scarlet sky
living clouds
my blinded eye
waters black
wood in snow
dead of night
how bright you glow

breathe in breathe out
exhale and inhale

seven sins
god of stone
all is true
down to the bone
feather moon
scarlet sky
I love you endlessly
not knowing why

Feather Moon by Vienna Teng