Like underwater birds,
we used our wings
to skim the surface
of the pond and then
to dive deep
into its depths.

The dark waters enveloped us,
protected us,
freeing us from the weight
of everyday legs.

Above us, owls hooted from oak trees
below the purple of the sky
and bats emerged from caves
to swoop through the stillness.

I wanted to tell you then
how mistaken I’d been
but you had already seen
the falling stars of tomorrow
and knew the way to Amen.