The first step can be brave,
or careless, oblivious,
or intentional.

However, a moment arrives  
when I am acutely aware 
that my life hangs in the balance, 
my own balance, and water 
hurtles under me.

The Greek gentleman 
was correct: I cannot step 
into the same river twice,
and furthermore,
it’s a different river 
by the time I finish crossing.