by ValBob Service (BS)
They left for the coast on a Friday Eve
Three kayaks on her car
And traveled east on the interstate
Under shadow of moon and star
When they heard a thump
On the right hand side up near the kayak rack
They pulled to the shoulder to take a look
Was it a rock or maybe a loose strap?
Turns out the rack had loosened a bit
But nothing that couldn't be tightened
Back on the road in several minutes
Their sense of adventure heightened
Over the bridge for Snows Cut they traveled
With beach anticipation
Turn here, turn there and look for the flag
Of the mighty pirate nation
They arrived to a welcome that warmed their hearts
From the friends they had traveled to see
And the taste of a beer helped to spread cheer
And they visited and enjoyed each other's company
A walk on the beach did just the trick
To remove residual work thoughts and worry
And replace them with nature's images
Of surf and sand and winds' fury
Gazing up at Orion's belt
As the dogs played tackle and chase
The waves ebbed and flowed
And crashed to and fro
And mimicked a joyful sea race
They drove to the spot where the road met the water
And unloaded the boats in the sand
They sorted through gear and outfitted their boats
Until the time was at hand
They shoved off from shore
And were swept quickly by
Mansions of considerable price
Past wetlands and beaches and birds and things
That were meant to thrill and entice
They paddled to Masonboro Island
An island of beauty and desolation
To the top of the dune for a view of the land
They climbed full of anticipation
As they surveyed their surroundings
From their bird's view perch
They contemplated the feeling
Of what it would be
To be the first person to see
That white SUV 4-wheeling
(heh, heh)
They paddled to a beach
And stood for a stretch
And looked at the land beyond
And it looked like Ireland
As she'd viewed on a postcard
So green and open and long
They paddled some more
and soon found themselves
on one side of the southern point
and they wondered at the birds
congregated in herds
and decided to see what for
The birds were hovering and swooping and diving
And helping themselves to lunch
On a school of fish that swam offshore
At least that was our hunch
Next we safaried amongst the marsh grass
Growing so tall and straight
We paddled the curves of a winding, narrow channel
Where alligators could have lurked in wait
To gobble us up
In a big sloppy gulp
An afternoon snack we'd be
Except I hope gator's taste buds
Are flavored with mud
And that they wouldn't like a neoprene ME!
We ate only gourmet
We lounged and we played
At the Driftwood Lodge Four Star
It was truly first rate
At this joyous estate
Perched on an island sand bar
As Monday arrived
It became crystal clear
The adventure was winding down
So we talked of the future
Of the trips we were planning
That so soon would be here
Farewell sea kayaking weekend
I know you will come again
Another adventure, another day
More time spent with good friends.
Note:
"ValBob Service" is the third cousin, four times removed, of the inspired banker turned poet Robert Service, whose poems have oft been recited for the listening pleasure of Adventurers under rainy tarps and on quiet evenings afield.