Reverence

Last week, we explored some of the smaller, more intimate waters of the upper Namekagon River. The moment we stepped out of the van, I was struck by how particularly focused and silent the boys were. There was a hushed, almost heavy mood within the group as they each stalked their own masterpieces. It was that same sense one feels in art galleries or cathedrals or museums: that there is something special about the place, and it just wouldn’t feel right to talk loudly or move quickly. I think the word for it is reverence. The Namekagon’s galleries of current and cathedrals of pine elicited the strongest sense of reverence among the boys that I have witnessed yet in the project. Here is a sample of last week’s photos.
-Ben Thwaits, Project Leader.


At many points in my life
I’ve struggled to stand against the wave.
When the wave comes
I stand waiting.
It’s building up taller than life.
When the wave gets close to me
I stand my ground
And wait to fall and tip over.
But now I stand
and face the struggles of life.
And after the wave flows by me
I look back
and see the mistakes I have made.

Photo and poem called "Facing the Wave" by Mike, age 17.


"We were driving back from our day on the river, and Chris spotted the bear cub. We started taking pictures from the van, and the bear seemed calm, so we got out to get better shots. I was pretty scared because I thought mama may be close. When I got out of the van, I made the grunting noise that a mama bear would use to comfort it's cub, and when I did that, the bear turned and looked at me and I got the shot. I was shaking the whole time!!" -Derek, age 17. Photo titled "The Bear."

Photo called "Rapids" by Matt, age 15. Taken in the rapids below Pacwawong Dam.

"I was walking along the river and I saw this butterfly, and I thought it would be a good shot. It felt really good to take this photo, but I can't explain why. I just feel amazed that I was able to get this shot." -Travis, age 13. Photo called "Resting butterfly."

Photo titled "The Iris" by DeVante, age 16.


I’m your reflection, can't you see
Though I'm only there in the brightness
Going through life with distortion and ease
Now I can see that the mirror’s a blur
And you never were who I hope to be
Never now, never then, will I want to be
Your reflection once again
Now I see what I'm meant to be
Nothing like you and more like me.

Photo and poem called "Reflection" by Lee, age 15.