I watched the river from afar, feeling the autumn breeze at my back, tempted by the cool current before me. I watched until my eyes blurred with confusion about what is possible ad what is not. Then, propelled by a drive that lacks logical reason but is oversaturated with a sense of being, I found myself taking methodically paced barefooted steps toward the muddy bank. As I neared the water, my feet sank into a slippery rhythm: step-slide-stop; step-slide-stop. Toes thus immersed in the chilly ripples, I paused and closed my eyes. There, in the darkness of my isolation, I welcomed her lapping kisses. Lulled by the sounds of falling leaves and the river’s gurgling breath, I lingered in the contrast between warm sun on my skin, overtaken by cold winds, dissipated again by warm sun.
She invited me into her melody and buoyant embrace. I dropped my coat back from my shoulders, caught in the bend of elbows. The sum promised peaceful blessings; the wind threatened regret. The river invited me again like the gentle lead of a lover’s hand and the promise of security.
My coat fell to the earth, a carpet of wet leaves, and my body moved forward. Forward more – and onward still more. my skin grew instantly taught from the icy bites, but the river, she sang to me, relaxing my muscles and luring me in deeper, and deeper, and deeper.
I leaned back and let her hold me. We cuddled. I disappeared in her love.
