The River

Caught in the narrows, the churning
Sucking current push-pulled her down and up,
Throwing her like a rag doll carried by an angry child.

Searching for air, she thrust her face above the foam
Toward the deep blue sky, where clouds were flying
Like migrating geese heading home.

Where are they going she wondered?
Soothing her fearful gasps, she bent her legs that had Protected her and tucked them in.

Her body rocked like in a cradle from an old dream.
Tilting her face up to see clouds again, she filled her
Lungs and swam toward an aqua blue just ahead,
To the calmer sea that was waiting.

©2025 Lisa Rafel