I free myself today
I baptize myself
running quickly
uncontrollably
down a
hill
stopping softly in the sand
left the lights on
took the watch off
sky
and sea
bare feet rub against coral sand
sink into the footprints they
create
walking down to the shoreline
still walking
hardly a pause to roll up shorts
moon but a sliver of a crescent
lights to the left
the water reflects
with an orange glowing over dark abyss
step off a ledge
careful
I slowly walk out as if to leave
perhaps
I will leave
perhaps I will lie down in the sand
close my eyes
listen
feel
the tips of my feet get wet
periodically
I take off my shirt shorts
jump into the water
hair becomes wet
enmeshed in mermaidic knots
fish
swimming through it like seaweed
head dunked under water
floating on my back
looking at the starless sky
only that sliver of light as a guide
revitalized
rejuvenated
refreshed
calmed at secular baptism's end
no midnight
new Edna knows her strength
new Ophelia stepping carefully among the rocks at the river's end
leaving the water for warm night's air
wringing water from hair
skin damp
clothes back on
absorbing moisture
walking back to the car
ready
to return