some of my earliest memories are of swimming in the river where I grew up. touching the bottom in the deep parts of the river was always a challenge for the kids who swam there.

river's deep

I try to reach the bottom
keeping my eyes open underwater
as I go deeper, the greens turn to black
the water becomes cold and silent

I finally touch the river's bed
my feet sink into the soft muck
there is no light, all is dark
I have never been so deep

I head for the river's surface
my lungs burn, I am cold
all is dark, I am afraid
lights, green and warm slowly return

I burst through the river's surface
gasping down great gulps of air
I have touched the bottom
a treasured moment of my life