A Space Coast Delight

Hop out of the car, Pull the life vests from the back. Screw together paddles, And heave out every kayak.

Slide into the brine, Excitement makes you shiver. Then push off from shore And glide across the river.

Upset schools of mullet That leap like dancers in the air. Manatees and dolphins Make appearance everywhere.

Oil painted grackles Call out loudly from the trees, "Come visit our island, Share your picnic if you please!"

Now the time has come To see what's made you venture Onto brackish water For a Florida adventure.

The countdown ticks down With every stroke of your oar. You choose a small island, And you quickly slosh to shore.

Across the wild refuge The blue sky begins to glow Bright yellow-orange As a rocket starts to go!

The Space-X Falcon 9 Gleams just like a spec of gold, And right behind it Vapor streamer clouds unfold.

At first it's silent; The sound's not had time to reach. Then the mighty rumble Creates chaos on your beach!

Seagulls flap their wings. Crows compete for noise with squawks. Fish jump in disarray While fiddlers scurry under rocks.

Upwards the rocket Continues it's journey high Above the white clouds To disappear behind the sky.

Separating boosters Announce their deed with sonic boom. They'll land upright again, Steered remotely from a room.

You return with haste To your kayak on the shore, Hoping before work You can explore a little more.

The morning passes And your exercise is done. You return to your car Now that you have had your fun.

Living in between Wild nature and outer space Is a Space Coast delight. Bring your camera, just in case.

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Kimberlee Long, November 25th, 2019