River or Ocean

Collin Raye knows what he’s talking about

I sit here listening to “That Was a River”

Over and over again

And I can’t help wondering what would happen

If I played that song for you now on my knees

– My heart broken and sincere –

Or if it had spoken to me five or six months ago

But instead, I left your shores

And headed for other waters

They picked me up

Kissed my face

Gave me one wild ride

After another

Promising serenity

And an eternity of peaceful waves

But a residual heartache

– Caused by too many bumps

Threatening crags

Falls out of my raft –

Opened my eyes to the waterfall ahead

And the danger waiting at the bottom

I finally realized the purpose of my life vest

And thanked God for it

As I swam to the bank

Climbed out of the wild waters

Onto solid ground

And cried

Comforted by the sun

As it dried my tears

Freed me from the chill of four years

What I thought was the ocean

Ended up being just another rapid river

Carrying me farther and father away

From my intended destination

As it bruised me, broke me

And shook my faith in my own abilities

Now I stand amidst the rocks and trees

Unsure of the direction I should take

Following the river back to where I left you

Would take me nowhere

Your ever-moving waters already long gone

Exploring distant lands

And carrying other passengers

So I plunge into the forest

Surrounded by the smell of pine trees

And the quiet feeling of being alone

Hoping beyond hope

That I can find the ocean

Hoping beyond hope

That when I get there

I’ll find you

TL

7:10pm

8 September 2004