Renoirs Fish

Laid back over oarlocks, arms akimbo, hat slouched; slow riding the Loire. The river pushes into a bobbing place a sylvian picnic where female bottoms convene in soft repose. Iridescent thuds, a thrashing of fins. A large trout flops in the gunnels. Wide lips, mouthing Gallic obscenities; the rainbow splashing of a disgruntled fish. The rowboat rolls, rights and recovers. Upon the shore bottoms rise like plump geese from green lawns. The fish sneers, flips a glowing Gauloises between thick lips. Full-figured forms rise to watch the watery fuss then shrug as more wine is poured. The trout jumps into the river. Parasols open and twirl. We all smile behind our hands as Renoir paints on.