Stopping at the locks

At Ice Harbor Dam I wait for boats, watch the iron gate lift as they enter the locks. Huge barges shimmy, inches from the edge, their metal hulls scraping cement. Sometimes small boats seek passage. Giddy, I gaze below as they tie to buoys that will rise with water. Readied, the rear gate closes on memories of river. The channel fills. I lean far over the edge, watch my reflection inch upward, hear my echo soften as water erases stone. When the boats are level, I call to their captains - Where are you from? Where are you going? until the front gate lifts and they sail from the locks up river.

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Stopping at the locks
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1987/0323/ulock.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us