The River




We sat around the fire and talked of love and art, beauty and madness. We talked about religion, politics, spirituality, the meaning of life.   We all spoke, each one taking turns while staring into the flames, me with a stick in my hand constantly adjusting the wood, lighting the end of my stick on fire  and then putting it out, pounding the embers off on the rocks that ring the fire pit. The cool night air caressed our skin, the sound of the river rushing by in the background was better than any song I’ve ever heard. By the fire we sat,  watching the embers glow and passed a bowl. We shared our thoughts and dreams. Hugging our hoodies close to our bodies, warding off the cold air, we watched the stars come out in force as the night grew darker. We passed around a bottle of bourbon, liquid fire in our bellies, keeping us warm, loosening our tongues so that we were sharing our most authentic selves, shedding the armor we wear out in the real world.

How many nights have I spent in this way at my favorite place on earth? More than I can count. I recall the family, friends, and lovers I’ve shared that space with.  Days spent inner tubing down my beloved river, or skinny dipping in the swimming hole are favorite memories of mine.  I've enticed many a friend to skinny dip by telling them it feels like a thousand tongues licking them all over, and it does. This place has been a constant in my life for 39 years. A sacred place. The place where I feel the most free and the most alive.


Comments

  1. KyleOctober 8, 2014 at 6:52 PM

    I love your river. From the moment I stepped out of the car, it felt like home. Being in a place with trees and sky and water and wildlife and quiet makes me very, very happy. Being there with you is amazing, I love hearing stories of your childhood. That you love it there and feel the most alive there is obvious. Definitely a source of power and happiness for you. Thank you for making me one of the lucky people who get to share it with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fathomless Femme October 9, 2014 at 7:23 AM

      Sharing my river with you feels so right handsome. We've already had two magical weekends and I see many more in our future. You fit there. Just like you fit in my heart.

      Delete
  2. WendiOctober 8, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    I very much look forward to experiencing your river for the very first time. I am honored that you are willing to share it with me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fathomless Femme October 9, 2014 at 7:22 AM

      I am so excited to have you down Wendi. I know you will love it. You'll have to come back again next summer too for swimming and inner tubing.

      Delete

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