the direction to go paddling
         is the big question
obviously not upstream
           unless to outwit
my adversary.

Dolphin kick front crawl
            is the fastest with
head-up and both arms flailing
            to escape but tire,
perhaps, halfways
               to shore.

I chose and hold my
              breath, underwater
with my nostrils pinched,
          my lungs and heart
aching for the next breath.

So many die that way.
           Too many die with flailing.
I just closed my eyes and dived
             my head under all the waves.
I don't yet know if I
              survived or crossed
the river.

I am still holding
                       my breath.