Buoyant, like a magnet

I trudge through 

the water, mud 

sucking up toward 

My knees.  Pulling me 

down unless I keep moving 

forward.  It's slow, treacherous 

work.  the boat is heavy weighing 

on my arms - shoulders, elbows 

ache with effort.

I barely look back.  Eyes always open 

and ahead. One. foot. after. the. other.

But then...

As I let go

the boat washes 

away - sucked

behind me and out 

of sight like

a vacuum sucks 

debris.

Black hole.

I am left standing, hands open

                                                      light and free - my face lifts up to the sun....buoyant, like a magnet.

and the sun

burns

      golden on

                        the horizon.