The River

I stand at the water’s edge

The past is upstream, the future is downstream

I enter the water, it takes control, buffeting and pushing, spinning and bobbing

It threatens to pull me under, crash me on rocks, stranding me in an eddy

The water is at times cold, others hot, sometimes temperate; it soothes and slaps

The river takes me past spectacular vistas showing me marvels beyond my reach

Other boaters come along side, some stay for the entire journey, others come and go

I enter Alone, I ride alone, I come close to others yet my journey is always unique to me

No one rides in my boat, we are always separated, even as we float beside one another

And then I come to the river’s edge, my journey over

I leave the river alone, my memories entropy dispersed

My past is upstream, the future is downstream

Is the river reality or illusion