Napowrimo day 7

The Ferryman

Let me help you cross this river.
I know that the water feels cold
But it will not get in your tall rubber waders.
Unless you fall.

You will feel cold
And the water will press into you
And the deeper you go the stronger it will press
But trust the waders.
They almost never leak
And worrying now will do you no good.

The trick with wading is to be sure of each step
Pick up your foot but do not push your weight onto it until
You are absolutely sure your next step has steady footing
Do not think about the step after
Just where your foot is going now.
Do not fall
Or the cold water will rush in.

You must have a steadiness about your every step.
Do not make any sudden movements
If you rush your steps, you will lose your precision
And almost surely slip and fall on the slick rocks.

You may feel things bump against your legs
They may be sticks
Or rocks.
They may be fish or snakes.
The things that lurk about your legs most probably cannot get through your rubber waders.
Remember to be slow and precise when you move.

Can you see the other bank?
Remember that you are trying to get to the other bank.
You cannot stand in this river forever.
You must be going the right way because the river keeps getting deeper.
Probably it will not get deeper than your waders.
Probably the current won't sweep you away.
Probably you will make it to the other side.

Are you still paying attention to just the next step?
Where will you place your foot next?
Are you sure?