Remembering a River in New Brunswick

Balancing the wooden canoe, all my gear inside, all I need for two days on the Kedgwick River in the company of other women.

Small rivers run from wrist to elbow as I lift and dip the oars.
An eagle glides overhead. A lynx considers us from the forest's edge.

From the other canoes, laughter, conversations in French and English.
Someone is hungry.
Someone has to pee.
​Someone is overwhelmed by the wonder of it all.