a glimpse of the swamp

We slowly removed ourselves from the boat and were planted waist-deep into the waters. It was a vile and filthy water, dark and dank like a dodgy backalley nobody visited; tumours and granny hairs floated about. The air smelt sourish and drainwateresque, with undertones of rotting wood and attap fruit. It would have been hot, too, if it were not for the fingers of leaves that shielded us. Slowly, we formed a single file and started wading. It was not long before some of the floaty things in the water had found their way into more obscure corners of my pants and boots. I shuddered to think any of it alive... But then again I was left with not much choice besides ignoring the thought. And I did.