ART & POETRY BY PAUL AND KATHY BOECHER

This painting reminds me of the tales from Mark Twain. You can almost see Huckelberry and Tom floating on a raft beside this huge paddle boat, slowly moving down the river on a hot summer day.

The tepid waters of summer tumble over the rungs of the paddle wheel.

The water makes a big splash as it embraces each of those slats.

Synchronized into a rhythm that reaches the soul.

A sky of clear blue acts as the perfect canopy.

A few clouds puff into giant cotton balls.

Summer has arrived on the mighty Mississippi.

The vessel creates enormous ripples, pushing away from the craft.

Sounds include the croaking chorus of frogs, various river birds, the gentle breeze as it blows across your face.

The intoxicating aroma of dead fish, fermented seaweed and steam reaches your nostrils.

Your eyes spot an eagle circling on high, waiting to swoop down, using his large talons to catch his lunch.

All the senses come to life as you continue to slowly push through the muddy water.

It won’t last for long. The days will soon grow shorter again. The sun is slowly dipping into the western sky.

Breathe it in. Feel it. Touch it. Listen to it. See it and taste the beauty for just a little while. It won’t last forever. Only heaven will.