Every so often, I see a photo and it calls out me. Makes me stop. Examine it closer. Then pause to tell its story.

I saw this canoe in a friend’s Instagram stories. And, almost immediately, a poem was born. I love when that happens! Big magic. Creative flow. Joy. A spark which ignited my writing, and reminded me why I love to play with words.

This summer most of my creativity has been outdoors in the yard and garden. I feel this was a nudge from the universe to devote more time to writing. Thank you Catriona for the inspiration, and for allowing me to use your photo! 📷

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱

on the shoreline,
calling out to her,
as it did every summer
when she returned.

Willing her

to slowly push away
from all she carried,
to become one
with the water.

To slowly edge
her paddle in,
to feel the resistance
and then,

let go…

Sandi Knight © 2026