A Boating Party

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Gustave put his back into pulling the oars.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

He enjoyed the repetition of his labours.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

He savoured the fresh air.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

He celebrated being on the river; watching the scenery fall in his wake.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

The punt, he nicked in Henley; when he determined to make it downriver. To go as far as possible before the Rozzers showed up.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

He knew he wouldn’t be able to get past the lock in Marlow, but if he could make it there, he could walk away.  His success assured.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

Gustave needed to feel free. Five years in gaol had taken his memories.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

His memories of what freedom felt like.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

With the help of this stolen boat, and this stolen river, he could win back those memories.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

He hoped to row a million strokes today, at least a million strokes. This is what freedom feels like.

Stroke,

Stroke,

Stroke

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🙂