---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 84 page perfect-bound issue... Down in the Dirt magazine (v092) (the March 2011 Issue)		Order this issue from our printer as an ISSN# paperback book: or as the ISBN# book “Down In It”:

Order this writing in the book Literary Town Hall dirt edition		order the 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Fool Hardy

Mike Berger, Ph.D.

I did a somersault in midair as our
raft flipped over. The shock of hitting
the water stole my breath. I did another
somersault deep in the water. At last
my head popped up and I grabbed a breath.

This was a terrible place to be; out of the
raft in Warm Springs Rapids. The murky
river was flowing red mud. We wanted
some extra excitement so we maneuvered
our raft into the wildest part. A giant hole
gobble us up and flip us over.

You can’t fight the tumultuous waves.
The natural tendency is to try to swim but
that only makes it worse. Relax and let the
current have its way. All of the training you’ve
had about being in the water flies out the window.

Gasping and sputtering, I sought breath but
only came away with water. Smacked by
a huge wave I was sucked under. I rolled
over and over. Struggling towards the light
the water held me captive. Suddenly, I
shot to the top.

There, ten yards ahead was the raft but
I didn’t have enough strength to swim for it.
The rapids smoothed as the river slowed
and made a gentle turn. I washed up on a
sand bar. I was nauseous from being
pounded and swallowing water. I puked.

A million thoughts filled my mind as I lay in
the sand. An old cliché echoed in my ears,
“Don’t fool with mother nature.” I and my partner
were rescued by another raft.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...