The Pool

"The pool is very deep and cool
and nothing here is hard to do
Nothing that should trouble you"

Shrouded forms that start and sigh
As they pass this wanderer by
Lakes that endlessly outspread
Foamy blanket river beds

I stand, stand by the water, knee deep
Deep in the fountain, now down, I go under
Then rise up, rise up forever

The waves that mount and tumble high
I meet the melancholy sky
And all I have I count for loss
There in the clouds one single cross

"Yes, deeply I have slept
And now I rise as one who has gone down
Into the well springs of new life
Down across the milk white sands
I wade out into the sleepy cove
And bathe in the holy stream
Then suddenly
I shatter the level mirror of the lake

Upon an everlasting tide
Into the silent pool I glide
I plunge to wash this black heart clean
And rise a swan upon the wing