The plunge

You must not test it

with a timid toe

the icy emptiness

will only shock you

into withdrawal

and you will never start

at all

you will stand on the edge

frozen in indecision

listening to the voices

shouting from the shore

telling you that you are crazy

begging you not to go in

those hecklers

warm and cozy in their parkas

will warn you that you

could die

and it is true -- some have

the ones that tried

to walk on the water

with sheer will alone

not realizing you must

be baptized first

full body immersion

into the deep

the cannonball technique

is best

because there's no way

to keep your hair dry

when you are holding

your knees so close

that you have become

a circle

no beginning, no end

which is as it should be

with the plunge

come freedom

clocks can not keep time

under water

and it may be necessary

to forget that you have

an appointment at three

to forget the meaning

of three

and in fact it is best

when you do not even remember

your name