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- 05/30/2019
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
2019 - Spring - Into the Stars Entry
Voyageur - 1. Voyageur
I paddled on a northern lake
and mopped a weary brow;
my arms had started in to ache,
the wind blew o’er the bow,
for many miles I had to make
and waves through which to plow.
Far up ahead amongst the spruce
some comfort I might find;
a lean-to built so to induce
the traveler inclined
to rest awhile with loon and moose
if critters he don’t mind.
The northwest wind was not ashamed
to roar against my ear;
its voice of wilderness untamed
did naught to quell my fear
that by the waters I’d be claimed
and drownèd, disappear.
Now months of Sundays had I fared
a voyager with grit
for twenty summers had I snared
and prospered, I’ll admit;
no storm was going to make me scared
or press me now to quit.
So on I pressed through whitecaps high,
through rain that changed to snow,
weighed down by pelts and short supply
as fast as I could go
for with the darkness coming nigh
some respite I might know.
An endless age in tempest passed
before I saw my mark
where my canoe could be made fast
and I could disembark;
but where I’d hide from nature’s blast
another’s fire did spark.
Too wet I was to tarry there
while chaos seemed to reign,
so I approached the fire’s flare
to ask by speaking plain
if as a stranger we might share
protection from the rain.
The figure by the stone hearth stood,
alarmed in blazing eyes
reflected in the burning wood,
and such was his surprise
that he knew not I meant him good,
that much I could surmise.
I strained to speak with voice unused,
“It’s stormy out,” I said;
“perhaps a stranger much abused
could find a place to bed,
though I could cope if you refused,
I’d find someplace instead.”
The big man croaked, “You’re welcome, friend.
Come shelter from the storm;
I got room where you can unbend
and blankets to conform;
so hang your soaking socks on end
to let your feet get warm.”
Beneath the cloth that screened the rain
I took a step or two
and sniffed the air of his domain,
detecting something new;
for in a moment it was plain
he’d supped on rabbit stew.
“Come set you down, and I will heat
what’s left of supper here,
for though it isn’t much to eat,
my cooking has no peer;
so rest your bones and take a seat;
enjoy some evening cheer.”
While in my weary, wet estate,
I hardly paused to think
of why he did not hesitate
without a pause or blink
to offer fare to guests so late
of wholesome food and drink.
Where did he get this provender,
this taste of the divine?
I hardly thought such splendor
could spring in such design
to make the tongue surrender
midst cedar, spruce and pine.
Fatigue or some enchantment dire,
today I cannot tell:
but soon I thought I might expire
and yawns I could not quell;
my host removed me from the fire;
in blankets made me dwell.
Before he lay me down to sleep,
he stripped me of my clothes,
and said “I’ll hang these out to keep
a-drying, I suppose.
Wet underwear will surely reap
a cold in chest and nose.”
He piled furs up so I could rest
upon the cushioned ground,
still more he laid above my chest
for slumber safe and sound;
I had no wish to make protest
and soon in snooze was crowned.
And thus I slept as damned souls do,
till suddenly I woke.
Between the canvas and lean-to,
the stars and moonlight broke;
no storm remained to mar the blue
of heaven with a cloak.
Not only did celestial light
Then pierce my stupored brain;
a naked arm wrapped round me tight
my body to detain,
and down below, I felt a might
that little could restrain.
And at my ear, a whisper low
excited every sense;
a voice which said, “I hope you know
you mustn’t strain or tense,
for I have strength to overthrow
the strongest man’s defense.”
Perhaps he knew, but I think not,
that I would greet his thrust
not with a parry, as we’re taught,
but with a cry of lust,
for I received him as he sought,
not caring to adjust.
Was it some magic? I can’t say
what opened me to him
but even now, I know this day
that nothing can bedim
a joy that never goes away,
that filled me to the brim.
But when the morning light shone clear,
I woke and looked around.
No blankets, fire or stranger’s gear;
no sort of human sound
suggested a companion near
would ever there be found.
I searched the woods and on the shore
Despite what I could see;
my lover who had heretofore
led me to ecstasy
left me bereft with muscles sore
and much the mystery.
For I found neither track nor trace
to show he’d tarried there;
old ashes in the fireplace,
no scent upon the air,
but only where he’d laid his face,
three strands of silver hair.
Adventures as my journey spun
down rivers large and small
did I encounter on the run
to bustling Montreal,
and soon my trading furs was done,
for city life did pall;
I wandered down rue Notre Dame,
and back by La Commune.
I saw no trader in that rhomb
of streets that afternoon
resembling him who stole my calm
beneath the stars and moon.
So now I load my old bateau
to voyage far, and then
it’s to that northern lake I’ll go,
awaiting moments when
fair Selene and stars aglow
will bring him back again.
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
2019 - Spring - Into the Stars Entry
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