No More on the Riverbank

The river runs and here I wait,
Standing on the riverbank,
Watching others jump with ease,
Rag-doll limbs, all smiles and knees.
They thrill to fill the space within,
Until the water tumbles them.
They struggle, sputter back to shore.
I never cared to jump before.

And now a new, warm breeze blows in.
The current quickens, waters spin.
Surprised, I feel the need to jump,
Hoping, thrilling, scared but willing.
I raise my arms, run for the ledge,
and take off from the grassy edge.
Waves of cold, both fast and deep,
Cannot conquer, cover me.
Holding to the rock I've found,
I float and find I feel at home.