Beyond the Stars

   The process is a sacrifice for the tree, but when given an opportunity, it goes far beyond it's original destiny...
   I am reminded of an old Same' (Pronounced Saw Mee) legend of the boy who when kiting one evening caught his kite on a star. He pulled it down, to learn that it was the original Star of Bethlehem. In conversing with the star, and his village being in desperate need, the Star agreed to remain and help the village through the winter, but come the spring it would need to return to the heavens or it would die. As the boy and his sister were now orphans, and in serious need themselves, he agreed. The village prospered from their association with the Star, who related the teachings of the Lord to them and admonished them to follow those teachings towards a better way of life.
   The boy recorded those teachings, then to his credit, set up the kite to sail the star back into the Heavens as agreed. He and his sister had matured much during this winter visit, and opportunities had opened that he desperately wanted his sister to enjoy. But she refused to abandon her brother.

   Knowing that he was needed to be her comfort and guide in a capacity far beyond himself, he gave her the book that held the record of what he had learned from the Star. Then as the Star sailed into the Heavens, he gave her his love, and, attaching the trailing cord to his wrist, sailed into the heavens with the star. In this way he could be with her wherever she went, and to this day, riding behind the star Mizar of the constellation Ursa Major, is the tiny star Alcor, also known as "the Rider".

   So I find myself pondering the role of this slender piece of wood, set into the framework of a much larger pattern of structure, as it sails just behind the larger knee of the byforcated bow in the overall structure of the kayaq. It's gentle sweeping curve rises into the cockpit as a line of sight, where I will be able from my position in the boat to power and guide the vessel through the sea.

   Tried in the heat of boiling water and bent carefully into place, it now rests as it cures into the shape it's position and structural integrity demand of it.

   And in this position, once set into place with it's ties intricately weaving it into the rest of the Kayaq's framework, will it serve not only as an essential part of the upper forward "backbone" of the vessel, but as a navigational guide as well.

   Gentle, straight, and supple, this simple piece of curving spruce is every bit as essential to the boat as the keel.

   And every bit as important as the stars to guide me.
-WKD