I’m on the edge
The water is icy cold
I enter the still lake
my breathing gasps
Deep breaths, deep breaths.
My body becomes numb
as my core body cools
My extremities warming
The warning signs flash
I’m comfortably floating.
I am slowly dying.

As I drift on the river Styx
pebble in mouth ready,
I turn myself over, eyes to sky.
The low sun smiles weakly
through dark grey rain clouds.
The tree branches wave forlornly,
I feel my heart beating, seeing
these moments of sheer beauty.
and I acknowledge the preciousness
of my life whilst swimming,
heading for shore. I am alive
This is a rehearsal.