life flows like a river
But eventually,
we all come to a waterfall

And when the bottom drops out
we come crashing down below,
sure we're crushed by the weight
of the Waters,
of Life

Surfacing into the chaos,
into the calm,
always surprised
and gasping our first breath
as if we're back from the dead
-- but we're not

We float,  full on the idea
that death did not take us
life's grasp not relinquished

Do we rejoice; cry?
frustration and joy mingle --

we float on,
drag ourselves to shore
Knowing full well
we'll have to cross that river again.

Breathe.
Eyes closed; In, out, in
Sigh a heady breath --

And begin again.