The river for herself
The river as herself
without human reference
without outward justification
her purpose known to herself
her path known to many

The river is a boundary impossible to cross without sacrifice.
The river is a fount of bounty for those who ask.
The river is a road to the underworld.
The river is a goddess of birth and death.
The river is a god of longing and searching.
The river is a shape-shifter of water and earth.
The water of the river purifies us.
The water of the river washes away our tears.
The water of the river carries us under.
The water of the river redeems us.
The water of the river takes in our despair and turns it into abundance.

written for Becoming’s Spring Rite of Blessing