I Envy the River Rock

i envy the river rock
all edges worn smooth
by the heavy breathing tumble
waves in steady rush
grain by grain
over such patience, time
Purified
in the river's endless hands

yes, i envy the river rock
for my legs, so chapped and pink
stung in the holy cold
of the river's unrelent
all my edges crying out
in gasping chill
beneath my aching
feet, the smooth stones
overcome
i run back to shore

perhaps if i had the endurance
of a river rock
i would stay in the water
let its exuberant cold
wash over me
sacred in its winnow, wave
grain by grain
patience, time
Purified