He Stands at the Shore

He stands at the shore
His shoulders heavy
Weary with the pack he carries
The weight of many years past
That are his alone to bear.
He looks across the river to the other side
And sees her standing there
Beckoning him - calling him to cross over
To come to her
He wants to but the water is deep
And he fears the hidden current
He looks up and down the shore
Searching for another way
He finds none and in despair
He falls to his knees
She sees his moment of crisis and stands strong
With faith and courage
With confidence and love
She comes to him - halfway
Hope fills his heart and strength
Returns to his bones
His mind becomes calm
He puts in one foot first
And then the other
Feeling the current pull at his calves,
His waist, his chest
He soon stands before her and releases his pack
He lets the water carry it away.