‘We are both happily surprised by each other, given that we find ourselves far ahead into autumn already and his kind are due for seasonal migration downstream towards the wider spaced waters for the winter. I think he waited for me these past few months as I got trapped in the mad world’s distractions’
I have seen it so many times since I first glanced at the river from my new garden’s gate, a couple of years back. It always hunts the same spot, starting in spring and all the way to middle autumn. It keeps below a few boulders, with its tail towards me and its nose up towards the raspberry bush above, on the far bank.
I often stand watching this beautiful creature, undulating in imperturbable concentration, almost unguessable in the unending creases of the timeless little river, and give it a discreet yet happy salute. I sometimes feel I can take the two steps towards it and even touch it before it would spring away, as happens at times, when some terrestrial visitor encroaches too far on its uncanny watery hollow. It (or he) is my nearest neighbour during the warmer days and we have come to know each other’s circadian habits quite well.
Once or twice I tried breaching the fluid veil of our mutual border, inviting him for an alluring fly chase or some sort of tasty morsel. He eloquently denied my proceedings, on which occasions I had learned that this will not be an acquaintance to be made through uncouth means, but through a reciprocal willingness to meet… at the right time.
Somehow, I now understand that this is the hour I have waited for – I can detect it in the autumn light escaping through the boughs and fluttering leaves to illuminate the liquid hollow in hues of marvellous gold.
I set up the most fine and delicate of tackles and cast out across and through the border of his realm an offering of friendship and recognition, under the naked raspberry bush. My watery neighbour accepts this and we connect like never before; I bring it to my side and he obligingly lands on the palm of my hand.
We are both happily surprised by each other, given that we find ourselves far ahead into autumn already and his kind are due for seasonal migration downstream towards the wider spaced waters for the winter. I think he waited for me these past few months as I got trapped in the mad world’s distractions. Yet, here we are: me – surprised of his dignity and patience in waiting for me long into autumn and he – a wild and uncorrupted being, of fabulous appearance and demeanour, of a lineage so ancient most could not fathom.
He has little consideration for photographing machines or any fabricated commodities, yet patiently waits for pictures to be taken. We salute each other and I slowly release him into the cool embrace of his watery realm. He waits a moment or two, full of consideration, then instantly disappears in less than a blink of an eye.
I smile at the rippling river to wonder and ponder upon those beings living in the most uncouth and rugged corners of creation are the most fair and considerate, not suffering abruptness and senselessness, yet they are fair in all engagements; while the (apparently) tame have (unwisely) got used to accepting (and repeatedly) all the abuse and disrespect heaped upon them…
Writing & Image – Solithar, Continental Europe, February 2024
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