Downstream

swim already!” Frustrated, I
wade out a little further and
repeat my swim-by. Still no
cries of praise. I keep going
until I run out of breath and
reach for the bottom with my
toes. The riverbed is not
there, no gravel to support
me. I am aware of seeing a
blurred underwater vision of
death, I thrash wildly, a great
bright sky glows down,
everything becomes blurred
again. I go into shock, my