Christmas poetry competition 2023

Magical Winter Nights

Blades in gates go click, click: eight blades and bodies moving in unison. The sleek white shell glides along the icy water, a careful balancing act. Click, click. Clouds of frozen steam forced out from our lungs as we push the boat along. The boat shudders as each of us desperately tries to right the boat. Click click. We push our legs back up our slides; the boat rocks rhythmically From stern to bow. Click click. Our hands are cold on our blades; the skin on chilled palms wears away against hard plastic handles. The riggers dip into the frigid water as hands move up and down, unceasing. Click click. The sun sets behind us, creating silhouettes cast on the crimson ball. The river with its burst banks lies lazily over Port Meadow. Click click. Our Cox shouts, “Ten on!” through the microphone. Click click. We glide up our slide wrenching in burning intensity. Steam orbits the boat and mingles with the cold twilight air. Click click. We wrench strength out of our cold, tired legs as our cox shouts, “Timing!” Click ,click.