The River

The river flows at my feet I watch as it goes past Where is all that water going? It looks so inviting… The current flows steadily I feel as though if I jumped in I could float Should I jump or stay on shore? The shore is safe and dry I decide to go to the edge and get a closer look I poke my toe in The water feels so….clean and fresh I’m afraid, after all I can’t swim But something is compelling me I wade in…there’s rocks on the bottom Some are sharp and jagged They hurt, but I keep going I’m up to my knees I look up just in time to see some friends floating by “Just jump!” they yell “Come on….jump!” Jump!? Me? I’m AFRAID I can’t swim….I don’t know where I’ll end up…maybe I’ll drown There go more friends.” “Come on….JUMP!” “Don’t be afraid” OK 1….2….3 I jump The current grabs me I’m washed away….going so fast everything is in a whirl I feel dizzy My head is spinning, but I’m staying a float I can barely breathe This is the most exciting journey I have ever been on I’m scared, but I feel peace….I don’t understand it Things look so differently in the river than they do on shore Colors seem more vibrant The air is cleaner The son shines more brightly here Some parts of the river are treacherous cause the current runs so swiftly But I’m not alone Others are floating with me Just when I think I’m going under…. I feel a hand pull me up so I can take a deep breath I hear a still small voice It speaks peace to me “Never alone” I’ve been in the river for a while now Some days flow so smoothly, quietly, serenely BUT WATCH OUT There are branches that stick out from shore They’ll grab you as you float by They want to entangle you They are trying to pull you back to shore They seem so tempting After all, the shore is dry and safe So tempting….so tempting….so tempting GOD PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME Get me off these branches I want back in the river The river is teeming with life The shore holds darkness and despair But sometimes it seems so much easier…