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
🙂
The subtle use of hyperbole doesn’t overwhelm the peaceful “vibe” of overall piece. And, a jail break. Clever, that. Well done, you!
(She smiles, sighs, gets up from her chair and walks to the storage closet. “Now, where did I put that Golden Oar Award?”)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Really liked the sense of place evoked here. I’ve been to Henley during the Royal Regatta several times and this made me long to go back again
LikeLiked by 1 person
By all means you should go back. Start planning now – July is just around the corner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like he’ll make it. Nice work capturing a confident run to freedom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for something with a happy ending. I needed that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is what freedom feels like.
Freedom is precious and a rare commodity.
Stroke
Stroke
Stroke
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost feel like I was rowing along with him. I like the way it places his feelings firmly in the mind of the reader. This piece is truly evocative.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love this!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love what you’ve done here. Wonderful use of repetition – and a beautifully placed example of hyperbole. Nicely done! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Kerr, with A Boating Party, a fantastic poem about freedom. Congratulations, TN! Don’t forget to grab your Mutant 750 […]
LikeLike
…Oh, here it is. The Golden Oar Award.
(It’s so much fun when I can predict the future. Congrats!)
LikeLiked by 1 person