joy

there's a river i always walk past
some days i pause for a moment
dip my toe into the waters
shocked by the invigoration
scared of the liberation

i pull away and retreat
back onto dreary dirt roads
familiar dust blows through my hair
there's comfort in the weight
the heaviness on my skin

still, the water always beckons
the scintillating surface
the unknown depths
if only i had the courage to submerge
and wash the hurt away

feel the current surge over me
surrender to unbridled joy
find meaning in the flow
without a hint of worry
about dirt roads to come