Sitting on the raft's edge
gripping my oar like a child clings to its blanket
preparing for the inevitable
preparing for the inevitable
practicing the techniques
I will need in the future
All I can think about are the fears
the fear of falling out
the fear of taking the lead
the fear of every possible situation, even death
maybe mine or someone else
Don't want to back out now
deep, deep down inside
I want to do this
I know if I don't, I'll regret it
My mom is with me
giving me support and courage
we work as a team
keeping time, smiling occasionally
taking in the scenery
and a couple gulps of water
The rapids get rougher
the going gets tougher
testing our skill and ability
things get crunchy
we hit a wall of water
a buddy has no choice but
to meet the experience on the next level
he's over his head but stays calm in the moment
our guide reaches out drawing him to safety
Suddenly, all is still
at the foot of Mount Robson
in the frigid Fraser River
with the summer sun beating down
Now I float on my back
buoyed by my lifejacket
not by accident but by choice
letting the water take me
squinting as I stare at the clear blue sky
I exhale and give a giggle
all the struggles are behind me
only calm waters ahead
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