I’ve been following Laura Shovan’s #WaterPoemProject. Margarita Engle, one of my favorite poets for children, prompted us to write an ode to a body of water. I write over and over about my bayou. Ha! I even call it my bayou. Living near water brings me joy and solace.
This ode comes directly from our experience of canoeing on the evening of Good Friday, without the annoying gnats.
Ode to the Bayou
Even as a water snake winds its way
around concrete rick-rack, haphazardly placed
for a bulkhead, I will wander
through your neighborhood of cypress trees
dodging knees, paddling a path of no destination.
Perhaps we’ll head toward the bridge,
stop to gather blackberries or chat
with neighbors about wood duck eggs
and such.
Even as you stretch out like a snake
for miles ahead, I will wander,
wishing for longer days,
photograph your evening haze,
and end my voyage with
this praise.
© Margaret Simon, April 11, 2020
Reflections on the Teche 