In one of his ditties, Brian Doyle writes of a man who listened to him once when he needed to feel heard, and marvels at “the way an ear can be an oar” to someone in that situation.
Today’s the birthday of a dear friend who has provided me ears, oars, and instructions in rowing for the past 15 years.
And so today is a good day to celebrate the oars others have lent us, and to contemplate the oars we’ve lent to those in need.
It might also be a good day to wonder if there’s someone within earshot who might want to row with you a while, if only you’ll lend an ear.
Colin Steele 