Rowing Ruataniwha
Thunderous silence in fresh mountain air
Dragonflies land on a mirrored flat lake.
A trout breaks the surface with but a swirl
Hushed morning stopping to rolling vast cheer.
Eight boats of rowers united in curl
Sixty-four faces combined in their ache
Coxswains urging each stroke with due care.
Rugged peaks fix firm gaze from up high
Each ridge a crease on a wrinkled old face.
Colours camouflaged by tussock and screes
Against this grave setting boats do defy.
Medleys on shore of blushing marquees
Supporting calls surge the rowers fast pace
Crews each pushing for all others to deny.
Canada geese carve the sky in their vee
Graceful wings scooped as they slowly descend.
Almost merging in the landscape behind
Splashes blend as birds land and oars break free.
Rowers increase their methodical grind
While a grand race is nearing its end
Sounds swell as crowds heighten their pleas.
Symbols of an intolerant harsh soil
Grey terraces flank the edge of the lake.
Head down merino ewes quest for their feed
Rowers and sheep joint in differing toil.
Leading boats lunge forward as though freed
Far behind peace returns in their wake
And the triumphant finally uncoil.
20th January 2016
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