Please, wade in these waters. 

gently 

dip toes, 

foot, ankle, 

knees -

learn to bear the initial icy jolt 

that shocks 

your independence but touches 

deep joy - that is, 

warm hope of the soul's refreshment.

allow the plaguing illusion of control 

to slip utterly beneath the swift stream's current 

and get lost in its enigmatic dimensions of blue. 

Go deeper! waist, 

stomach, 

chest, 

neck - deep 

enough for your body to give up the heat 

of all its striving, 

relieved from false demand.

and (finally!) put down thy head. Feel

waters rush over, through, 

your face, 

eyes, lips, 

hair -

and let yourself be carried 

below and above the waters 

in this one and only stream called, 

"the clear merciful love of God."