The river of life,
Flows for just a little while,
Before it runs dry.

Watch it from the shore,
From the safety of firm ground,
And you'll never drown.

But if you dive in,
Ride the rapids, risk the falls,
Float on placid bends.

You will know the joy,
Of ever-changing landscapes,
More than worth the risk.

You'll be scraped by rocks,
Find no shade against the sun,
Little time for rest.

When waters run dry,
And you reach your journey's end,
You'll have truly lived.