The Pool

"The pool is very deep and cool

and nothing here is hard to do

Nothing that should trouble you"

Shrouded forms that start and sigh

As they pass this wanderer by

Lakes that endlessly outspread

Foamy blanket river beds

I stand, stand by the water, knee deep

Deep in the fountain, now down, I go under

Then rise up, rise up forever

The waves that mount and tumble high

I meet the melancholy sky

And all I have I count for loss

There in the clouds one single cross

"Yes, deeply I have slept

And now I rise as one who has gone down

Into the well springs of new life

Down across the milk white sands

I wade out into the sleepy cove

And bathe in the holy stream

Then suddenly

I shatter the level mirror of the lake

Upon an everlasting tide

Into the silent pool I glide

I plunge to wash this black heart clean

And rise a swan upon the wing