They slowly paddle down river showing no signs of rushing. There are just two of them on their green canoe. A small wooden platform was built into the back where a trolling motor sits, unused. Sunlight rips through the trees casting light shadows over there area giving some reprieve from the intensity of direct heat. They’re smiling and talking animatedly although, quietly. They’re respecting the silence of nature and not imposing their own reality upon the ecosystem. The man, a lanky blond with a matching beard and kind eyes, wearing short tan trunks and a light blue long sleeve fishing shirt, leans forward and points to something while chatting with his partner in crime. She is also blonde and has kind eyes but there is more power behind the looks she gives, her smile is bright and beautiful, she wears a two piece bathing suit and leans forward to grab a box for him. It is a tackle box.
He rummages through it getting himself set up while she gently keeps the canoe on track and out of limbs way. Before long he begins his hunt for fish. Being in a canoe going down river makes his task more difficult but he displays skills and experience and is careful not to rock the boat. Strategically he places his lure where he wants it to go, teasing the fish below with subtle jerks and taunts for realism. There is a monotonous aspect to his casting and the noise blends in with the surroundings. Cast out, reel in, cast out, reel in, cast out, reel in.
She begins getting herself comfortable, moving butt pads and lifejackets around. She soon sets up what she wants and props herself cross-legged on the seat with arms stretched to her knees, two fingers touched in a obvious meditative position. She sits still and masters her breathing.
The couple float on in silence, each lost in their own world yet together in unison. The energy their exuding meshes with the nature all around them in perfect harmony. They are a part of the scenery now and now just intruders. The man continues his pursuit for fish and casts a few times more. He says something to the woman who answers with a slight nod. The man smiles and casts a few more times and once again says something to the woman who, once again, answers with a slight nod. Grinning even more the man begins to cast for another set and talks to the girl again. She whirls around throwing the sunblock at him and gives him a look of knives for continually disturbing her meditation. He rears back chuckling and catches the sunblock then blows her a kiss. She in turn squints her eyes at him daring him and turns around to get back to her thoughts. Although she gave him a look, she is hiding a subtle smile on her face. This is a game they play often and the affection is palpable around the mischief.
It’s plain to see this couple have been together for a while, each highly comfortable with the other with experienced interactions. As they go on around the bend, they are silent and he is paddling. The woman continues her trance in the front of the canoe, the man stops periodically to cast a few times before they disappear.
I envy them. Their closeness is a dream of which I search for in every relationship yet rarely do I get it. And if I do, it does not last for long. I am grateful the couple was still so in love with each other despite their familiarity. If either of them were unhappy or bored they would have noticed me watching from the shadows in my own canoe. That would have sparked some curiosity. Some that I don’t wish to experience since my own closeness with my partner resulted in me stabbing him in his jugular a few times shortly before they came into view. We didn’t have that bond like the couple. He didn’t know to think before he spoke. He didn’t get a second chance.