River

Your hand is clinging
 to the thin, ropey root
 in the muddy bank.

 You’re afraid of the flow,

I know. I promise you,

you won’t drown. No,
 you will be carried

 and so lovingly
 that your breath can slow
 and your body relax.

 But first you must let go.

Soon you will

remember yourself

as river

moving always

inevitably

to the sea.

Photo by Sara Kurfeß