Poem: Water Fa

My thirst was relentless
In the distance, I could see others
They were gathered around numerous pools of water
Beckoning me to drink
I could imagine the cool water--the exquisite relief
But the water was murky, stagnant
And I knew to continue
My thirst was relentless

I continued on
Past the many
And the desert stretched on
Vast and bleak
Why? I doubted my conscience
I cursed it---why didn't I drink?
I could die---why did I listen?
I worried and complained
And continued on, and on

I raised my head and saw it
There were no fitting words; immense knowing
An oasis of life, surrounding water of perfect stillness--and silence

I stood at its edge in wonder
a perfect reflection on its surface
of someone...me?
I stepped in

It was cool and comforting---deeply welcomed
I closed my eyes and wept
Why had the others not seen this place?
They must have looked
I stepped in deeper
And hesitated

Was it really so comforting?
What if I drowned?
Maybe that is why the others were not near
Maybe I should join them
Do I really want this?
I stepped further

I have travelled so far, so long
I do not know---nor understand
But I must stay
I must understand
I step again

Water is at my chest
Staying.....understanding.....travelling
Attachments
Stepping means that I have stepped
Notions

To continue
As water within water
Reflecting
The universe above
Eternally