Quilliams Creek

Quilliams creek was high
for the end of July
high for April even
we paddled upstream

to the bridge
had lunch in the shade
of an ancient maple
listening to yesterday's

rainwater rush below
the fields were flooded
hayrolls soaked and leaning
like sleeping elephants

the scene flowed
like a movie pan
the only sound track
our laughter as we avoided

Low hanging branches
heaved the canoe around
oxbow turns
leaning out of opposite

sides perfectly
balancing each other