you rise from the ocean water
salt thickening your hair
and still no land in sight
you look to the stars
see the swan
his wings stretched
above you like a soaring cross

this is no time for doubt
no time for easy prayers
no time
          for time

the waves reach softly
to your mouth       your nose
you feel those great
wings taking you up
no need for breath
in the dry down
of his chest

and you have no fear

          no fear

of falling