riding an innertube on the river of life
will the water be too cold
will I hesitate to start the journey
or just jump in and get used to it
will there be bumps and rocks
occasional rapids
areas of smooth sailing
will I be basking in the warm sun
or under the clouds
with a rainshower to make me shiver
what will I see along the way
green trees
blue skies
mountains
farms
skyscrapers
factories
pollution
unfriendly natives
will I hear banjo music
what if my tube turns over
will I be able to keep my head above water
will I have to ask for help
is there another tube attached
riding along side by side
or one just filled with refreshment
will I plan the route
or just ride along with the current,
go with the flow
is this a lazy river
raging river
whitewater river
are there any waterfalls along the way
do I hurry to finish the journey
and where does it end
or make my way to the edge and climb out early
life is a journey, not a destination
so enjoy the ride!
~Susan Tidwell 2007
~photo 27 September 2006 on the way to Mt. Leconte
