The Last Canoe Ride

Ruth Z. Deming

Simon could do anything with those
big hands of his. Fix the plumbing,
work as a computer programmer, eat
a big bacon and egg breakfast I´d
make for him.

We went down to the lake and
rented a canoe. The lap-lap sound
of the oars was unforgettable,
as was the feel of the water
when I trailed my fingers through.

Mallard ducks swam with us and then
flew away. A year later, Simon flew
away too. To a big black hole in
the sky, taking me with him, for
a little while.