Baptism

Meet us by the bridge and bring the dogs!  It's so hot, I want to shake off these dusty clothes.  Here, there is a sandy beach that feels good to squish between my toes.  The water, opposite of the day, is cold.  Melting from the top of the mountains and winding down to this place.  All four of us standing, thigh deep in the water as it gently swirls around us.  Talking, laughing, as our legs get numb.  It feels strange to be having a social moment in such an isolated area.  We are the only ones out here, under the canopy of a vast, deep blue sky, and protected by a blanket of towering mountains covered with giant pines.  We know the moment is coming, that one of us will be brave enough to fall backward into the water.  Oh, but it is cold.  We all decide it is time, and one at a time, each person fills their lungs with a deep breath and a little bit of courage before they fall.  The icy cold water takes your breath away and the dusty-ness of the day is replaced by a feeling of being fully awake.  Then, it is over and we all lay on the hot sand.  Letting the Sun melt away all of our worries.