Image courtesy of Guy Sports

I caught a faint reflection

of what I thought was me –

I leaned too close and fell right in

The river fast and deep.

The waves’ roar, fierce and hungry,

Clutched with cruel claws;

Tossed me end to end to tip

And throttled with wet jaws.

My orientation left me

In search of space less cold

As wild I struck with hands and feet

To gain a spot to hold.

My nostrils flared, my lungs drank wet,

I thought that I was done –

When whispered in dishevelled ear

 “Stand up, the battle’s won!”

‘Stand up?’ I cried, and swallowed gulps

Of water wild with spray.

And tossing hard upon the waves,

I felt my heart give way.

“Stand up!” the stern rebuke rejoined.

For balance, I sought new;

Fighting hard at current’s toss

As foot struck rock, hope grew.

The water, rushing on its way

Was only to my waist;

Although its fury gnashed and writhed

And furiously raced –

Walk through, I could; with effort true

I made it to the sod,

And choking long, and gasping hard,

I gave my thanks to God.

Image courtesy of PD Photo

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you walk through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…” Isaiah 43:1,2 NIV