Twilight Appointment

by Laura Snyder

I must hurry. Day colors drain the skies

and I have an appointment to keep.

A cool air heavy

with musty memories of marsh

reaches out to snag me. The boat rocks madly

in my hasty escape--but then finds itself.

Rushing my oars, I row to position myself precisely

on the dark patterned waters and wait.

There--just above the surface,

my eyes strain to focus. Did I imagine it?

In a stealth-like approach, skimming low, flying fast,

but dead-on target

come my old friends--the bats.

I like to think

they play the game of chicken

with the boat and me, to see

if I have gained courage.

They streak past me, afterburners glowing,

their foxy little grins firmly in place,

proving air superiority over pesky mosquitoes

that dance in my heat. The bats win,

I blink.

An oar creaks.

The will of the night breeze

catches the boat

and it slowly turns. My sight drops

to view the water's moon

break into shimmering pieces.

It is late. I turn the boat,

and prepare for reentry

among those who call a cabin

safe and home.

Arcturus 1993, Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA

Return to: