I flowed in the river Went deep, thought I’d drown But a branch caught my hand I drifted through the unbearable purity Of this water I don’t know how long The water stung my flesh Until it washed me clean I moved toward the bank Where tree and leaf reflections Shimmered on the surface A palimpsest of light and shade I saw souls in the shape of fish Basking in eternity I don’t know how I stepped out of that water It wasn’t my time Still, I am the river And I flow as I walk