Words in the Water

Standing knee-deep in cold water, swiftly moving

Somehow I knew I lost something

Waiting waist-deep I saw a book there, in the river

Waiting for me to find it there

I tried to read it, neck deep, treading water

The tide pulled me out to sea

Then with water in my eyes

The words began to rise from their place

They were beautiful and dread

I reached for them and fed on each phrase

They were honey on my lips

Then a bitter twist in my side

I knew they'd lay me in my grave

"Is there no one who could save me? " I cried

Sinking down deep through cold water and heavy silence

Shadows stirring in the gloom

What things lay sleeping down deep in the darkness?

Woke then to find me in my tomb

Then with water in my eyes

The words began to rise from their place

They were beautiful and dread

I reached for them and fed on each phrase

They were honey on my lips

Then a bitter twist in my side

I knew they'd lay me in my grave

"Is there no one who could save me? " I cried

And when I lost all hope to look

Someone took that heavy book from my hands

All it's weight they set aside

After they had satisfied it's demands

I felt white and black reverse

And the lifting of a curse from my heart

Then like one receiving sight

I beheld a brilliant light in the dark