Solitaire

Hi Biscuit Breakers!

Today is another #WriteFromHome day where I will be sharing with you one of my responses to this week’s online writing workshop held by Dean Atta. The theme for this week was ‘Water’ and I loved it purely because water is one of the most versatile pieces of imagery that you can use for all emotions.

I wrote my response to one of the workshops which was about recalling memories of water. I was a rower for 3 years and stopped this year to focus on my A-levels (which didn’t happen) and to be honest, what with the flooding at the start of this year and coronavirus, I think I made a good decision.

The name of my title is called ‘Solitaire’ partially because I row single scull, partially because that is the name of one of my boats and also because of the lonely feeling which is also quite comforting.

You can find the workshop below!

Solitaire:
 
There’s nothing like a quiet river
With the trees whispering together
And the ducks preening
And the geese flying ahead in the perfect ‘V’.
 
I let my body become one with the boat
The soothing click-slide of the seat
Matching the pace of my heart beat.
As I approach front stop
I let my blade catch the water,
Slicing through iridescent liquid silk
 
With a flick on my wrists,
The feathered blades emerge
Skimming the water, leaving a snail’s trail.
I can vaguely make out my first stroke,
The ripples soon disperse
Leaving no traces of me or my boat
 
For a moment I close my eyes and let
The trees’ whispers
the whirring of bicycle tyres
and my blades locking engulf me
 
The proud heron stands tall
Seemingly unaware of my presence
His movements are slow but precise
And quiet.
Quiet like a river.

– Henna