the sound of the waterfall...

The Waterfall

As I tread down the wooded path,
lazily dappled with sun light,
shining through the towering pines,
a small clearing comes into sight.

A spot light seems to be shining down.
It's a masterpiece not yet painted,
for few have yet to travel here,
and it's beauty is not yet tainted.

We are now gathered at the edge,
humbly silenced by the sound,
of the blissfully untamed waterfall,
that's forcefully cascading down.

It's not enough for me to but look,
I want to touch, I need to feel,
the water crash down upon me,
and come alive in this scene surreal.

I set my clothes upon the rock,
and into the pool I gently slide.
The icy water takes my breath,
gasping shock I'm unable to hide.

Like a thousand icy needles,
bringing heat into my skin,
the cold wraps itself around me.
It is now sinking deep within.

They are standing round the edges,
watching each purposeful stroke I make,
doing now what they can only wish,
living chances they're afraid to take.

I'm standing now beneath the falls,
the water pounding down upon me.
It's rushing weight holds me in place,
and yet I've never felt so free.

Stepping behind the watery wall,
I am now in a separate place.
The flowing water masks all sound.
I am alone inside this space.

The cold is starting to sink in.
I regret that I must now go,
for I find myself at peace here,
watching the water swirl below.

As I swim back across the pool,
at the edge they are still gathered.
They think me brave but foolish,
yet it's not their thoughts that matter.

In reality it's what I need,
the risk, the fear, and the surprise,
to do what they think can't be done,
and see the world through different eyes.

In those moments I was more awake ,
than others are in all their lives.
I wish to live with no regrets,
and for this each day I strive.

Moments like these give perspective,
to the moments that endless seem,
and until the next chance comes,
something about which to dream.