Stepping In

The river looked quiet, safe.
It's gentle ripples of water ran down the middle,
pebbles lay still along the banks.
It called to me, beckoned for me to come near
and drink from its waves, but I dared not.

Instead, I rolled up my jeans, threw off my shoes,
and dipped in a toe.
The icy chill hit me first, but it soon settled,
numbed my foot to its core.

But it was not done with me.
Still it beckoned, urged.
So I slipped off my t-shirt,
letting my legs take me deeper into its waters.

The waves quickened.
This was not the life I'd imagined.
They pushed around me,
I lost feeling in my legs.
No longer had I control,
I was the river's sacrifice.

Further I went down into the river.
Legs, tummy, breasts, all emerged in
its freezing control.
I could no longer fight it.
I couldn't plan where the river would take me
or when or how or why.

So I let go.

I let my toes leave the rocks beneath.
Let the now crashing waves take me away,
float down the river
however it pleases.