The River

I gazed upon the river and there reflected,
like a reverse telescope, were all the events of my life --
as a matter of course, on the surface.

Beneath the surface is the depth of my being,
a reflection as it were, of a multi-faceted gem.
But it was not what was beneath, but beyond --
that made the river to flow.

In my mind’s eye,
I could see over to where the river met its end.
Not as a dried up creek or sun-baked riverbed,
but flowing fully into a yet greater ocean of life.
And it is the inner urge to be so much more
the part of life that causes one to move on.

Awake to the possibilities,
alive to the challenge --
the stirring of the river is an eternal genesis.

I now see so far beyond myself,
to the source of all beings.
I swim in the cosmic intercourse;
the place to where all rivers flow
into one in this sea of tranquility.

I bask in this ocean of love,
transfixed and mesmerized.

In these waters one will not find possession,
control, manipulation, fear or judgment.

What one does find is the warmth
of compassion, acceptance, love
and forgiveness --
for that itself is the serenity,
not only here,
but beneath the surface of all rivers.