"A Story About An Old Paddle..."

I'm going to share with you a story of a very old paddle found on a distant secluded island...

That small campsite out there was tucked closely away among even older trees, with only the smallest cobbled beach upon which to first land and later launch again from. It is an older paddle that I found, an all wooden paddle, that was placed in such a way that surely it could not have been just forgotten there. Such beautiful wood, even while nicked and rubbed raw with use in the places one would expect. What was unusual, special though, was when picking it up one could feel, even know - certain sensations...

This was a paddle that had a life of its' own, a paddle that came alive in your hand, that would be there with you and for you among the biggest waves and through the strongest currents. A paddle that was as familiar as any very good adventurous friend, whose vibrant nature could be felt when close by. It did indeed come alive when it touched the water, indescribably so, but with a reality of renewed energy and enthusiasm. Whatever spirit that paddle held deep within it was shared with you once it was picked up and made ready for the waters.

Now this is a tale that I know first hand as I held that paddle then too, for a very long time, learned of the life it contained within, and the way it would possess any who shared fluid timeless moments on the waters with it. It so wanted to be used, to move with and against the water elements. Its' source may have been unknown but it was still so very familiar. An essence of something so powerful, ephemeral, yet very real. Where had it originated, I have often wondered... With no markings of the usual mass produced type, yet clearly made by caring hands. Who could craft such flexibility, strength, beauty, and longevity all in one I've pondered. There was truly an energy there too...

When braced in just the right way one could feel those gentle vibrations transmitting from some source, through this wooden elemental, to our human hands. Many stories are born from legends like these which are then shared out around campfires on islands of our northern lakes...

And at this moment, the flicker and reflection of the flames are gleaming back at me, from upon that paddle, as it rests just over there...

Waiting.......  DSD