In the River's Mouth, Part 1

With eyes shut tight,
I plunge my head underwater  

First, the biting cold nips at my ears, lips, and nose  
Then, my fingers and toes  
And lastly, kisses my forehead before I am frozen in time below  

Freeing my breath from it's temporary hold, I watch as dread and nervous tension leave my body with each bubble's apprehensive ascension

Now, lying flat on my back upon the river's bed
I open my eyes to witness the mystical dance of light in the space above my head
 
Though I've found respite while suspended in the depths of this blackish blue, viscous liquid
The ache in my chest serves as a careful reminder that I'm not dead, yet  

I push myself up from the silt-dusted floor and float toward the surface
I will not become
Sunken, discarded