Random impressions of a river....

The following is in response to the request by Claudia of dVerse.com to write an impressionistic piece, creating the atmosphere or surroundings of a given time, writing quickly, not worrying about too many details, conveying the mood of the setting....fresh in my mind was last evening's get together of friends on a small deck overlooking a tributary that flows into the larger Columbia River:

Afternoon sun played through the branches

 of tall firs bordering the river.  

For lack of deep water to swing into, the old rubber tire hung by a hefty rope and

 the swimming hole across from us - abandoned 

yet looked so inviting.. 

River narrow at this point, shadows cast the

 darkest dark green on the water.

Shimmery sun spattered leaves spun light around, like small mirrors falling on the river surface. 

Rapids heard down stream, beyond a wide bed of rocks,  more exposed

 these summer days.  

More visible meant easier to find agates

 churned, culled over to a polish

 by the currents, recovered by scavengers;  some gold and clear, others cloudy with green and blue layers; some a pearly white or mottled, oddly shaped - 

thunder eggs

Many such found rocks line the wooden deck 

of the one bedroom cabin, 

 Collections found before in baskets, a home-made coffee table indoors.  The retreat is restful and cozy, with scents of pine and clover; flower boxes decorate steps,

 inner tubes at hand.

Making the short hike up and down easier, 

dirt paths angle back and forth,

 protruding bare roots provide steps on trails through trimmed arcs of branches. 

Through the small gorge, dusk sends a breeze;

  dabs of color dash across the other side

 Creativity and character define the surroundings 

 Reading's the main pastime
Conversations and stories take over,  pouring glasses of red wine

Paintings of Indian maidens adorn the walls.
Schnauzers snore quietly

Peering through darkening trees in a navy night sky
a waxing moon greets us
Unable to stop time from advancing,
at least it moved slowly for awhile
- for some friends 

 -

by klr