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Kayaking Poem: Finding Peace and Freedom on the Water

Sep 13, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago


	A boy paddling a kayak peacefully across a quiet lake, enjoying the beauty and stillness of nature for My Poetry Corner.
Gliding through silence, finding peace with every paddle.

When Life Feels Like a Maze

In today’s My Poetry Corner, I’m sharing a peaceful poem inspired by one of my grandkids — Colton. He loves the water — swimming, kayaking, and staying out as long as he possibly can. It’s not the clock that tells him to stop… it’s when his tired body finally gives in.


Kayaking is more than just a hobby for Colton. It’s a way to escape the noise of the world, and to find his calm. I believe everyone needs something like that, especially kids.


This poem is a quiet reminder that being outside, moving gently across the water, or just floating in stillness… can give our minds the space they need to rest and feel free.


At Surviving Life Lessons, we often explore the little practices and moments that nurture mental and emotional wellness. If you’d like to read more reflections and poems that help you pause and connect with life’s quiet joys, check out our Blog Series Catalog for additional inspiration.



Maze

With his family or alone

On the water, Colton’s at home.

Sometimes his dog is a rider

As the kayak slips thru water sliders

The sun-kissed lake gives a glimmering glow

As fish race down below

Sometimes they jump in the air

With their artistic flair.

 

As the hot air begins to squeeze

Along comes a gentle breeze

With a paddle with two sides

Thru the water he continues to glide

 

Beautiful birds sing in the tree

Out here, he feels so free.

He spots animals along the water’s side

While thru the air a falcon glides

 

Nature seems to bless

When getting away from life’s mess

As the sun begins to set

Leaving is always Colton’s regret.e


From Kid Moments: Poems for Early Readers

Part of the Life Moments Series

© 2025 Deborah Ann Martin. All rights reserved.

Reflection on My Kayaking Poem

My Kayaking poem is deeply personal. I’ve seen Colton in his element — in the water, on the kayak — and I know how much peace it brings him. It’s not just about movement… it’s about freedom. And I think that’s something we all need to remember. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, walking in the woods, or sitting by a river… nature heals.


So many of us are overwhelmed — kids, too. The world is noisy, rushed, and full of screens and schedules. But give a child a paddle, a moment of silence, and a little space, and you’ll see them reset. Reconnect. Recenter.


This poem is for Colton, but also for every person — young or old — who finds their peace in and on the water.


The Style Behind the Words

Poetry Style Name: Nature Reflection Poem

  • Structure and Form: 14 lines in 4 stanzas (lyric/narrative blend)

  • Meter: Light rhythm with natural flow, some iambic patterns

  • Rhyme and Rhyme Scheme: Mostly AABB; soft internal rhyme

  • Sound and Rhythm: Smooth, calm, mimicking the water’s movement

  • Poetic Devices:

    • Imagery: “paddle dips,” “trees reflect,” “ripples flow”

    • Personification: “the stillness and the sunshine grow”

    • Tone: Peaceful, meditative, joyful

    • Theme: Nature, stillness, escape, joy in movement


Explore More Kid Moments

If Kayaking brought you peace, you’ll love the rest of Kid Moments: Poems for Early Readers.


From silly smiles to quiet strength, this book celebrates real life through a child’s eyes.


About the Life Moments Series

The Life Moments Series is a collection of poetry books designed to speak to every stage of life — from the joy of play to the healing after heartbreak.


These poems reflect the simple truths that bring us together.


Where to Go From Here

Poems like this one are meant to be felt, shared, and talked about. At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in life survivors helping life strugglers. Our Healthy Eating & Nutrition Support Group is a place to share realistic food wins, and our Journaling & Writing for Healing Group is a place to write and share with others who understand. You can also browse our Community Groups Catalog to find every group that fits where you are right now.



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References


About the Author:

 Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.

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