Life as a Rower

Get in the car,

Drive.

I don't even have to think about where to turn,

When to stop at stop signs,

Where to go.

Pull into the parking lot,

Walk down the hill.

My coach yaps out line-ups,

I'm five seat.

"All eight, one foot in!"

The coxswain screeches at us.

Back our blades in the water,

out of the dock,

put in my feet,

get ready.

"Pieces," my coach shouts through her megaphone,

we all groan.

Up and down

Up and down

Back and forth on the lake,

till our hands are torn and our muscles ache.

My hair sticks to my face from the sweat,

But I'm happy with how I've done.

We return to the dock,

spent,

but eager for the results.

All anticipating making the best boat.

This is an average day at practice,

This is my life.