Cypress

The persistence of the current, flowing around

my ankles, rising to embrace knees,

hips and thighs, slakes the memory

of a dry desire,

cools me where I run too hot.

Shifting stones beneath my toes

push me to watch every step,

beware submerged stray shale.

Carelessness cuts; my blood

flows in this river.

This river flows through me,

brings me back, strips me down,

abrades me and licks me clean.

Here, amidst this freshwater journey to the sea,

I sink my roots among the cypress and spider lilies.

Among the cypress, I can breathe.