Tubing the Boise River
While visiting my cousins in Boise, ID in circa 1958, we all tubed down the river that runs right through the middle of town. During our visit a few weeks ago, we saw people with all kinds of floating devices descending a staircase to the river. Boise-ites are still tubing the river. As you can see in this stock photo, it's a big deal. I'm wondering now if they reconfigured the river in any artificial way or left it to its own devices to give tubers thrills. It's a fun, lazy summer afternoon thing to do.
Tubing the Boise River
Trying to look brave, I slid the inner tube into the river and paddled to the center. The boys hooted about waterfalls and waves ten feet over my head. We all joined hands in a string, adrift in waters calm and deceptive. Ripples rolled higher and faster. The current quickened, as did my heartbeat
Kelly yelled out, "It's comin', Sooz!" My lip quivered as Betsy pulled me close. "Forget what the boys say, it's fun. Feet first just like going down a slide."
The waterfall roared ominously. Betsy let go of my hand, leaving me to watch her disappear over the edge, popping, up just as I breached the waterfall's crest. I gasped and held my breath. The inner tube slid down the fall into a trough that threw me over churning waters. I landed next to Betsy's waiting hand.
"Not as scary as you thought, huh kid?" She grinned and spun me around. The murky river flattened out again. I released the breath burning in my chest. Something broke inside me. My bare feet patted the sky's reflection. I grinned back at Betsy and faced forward, ready for the mysteries lurking downstream.
If you enjoyed this prose poem, feel free to explore other poems, essays, and stories in the Ring Around the Basin Archive. I also love to read your comments, so please share your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation.
Oh Sue, this is wonderful! What fun!
Something in your story took me there! Thanks Sue.