Cataratas
Pulhapanzak
Waterfall
Mud covers my shoes
while droplets of water create a coat
across my skin
the scent of orchids filling my nose
as i inch closer to the monstrous waterfall
like approaching both an old friend
and a powerful adversary
i slip, move back, begin again
down the rocks
cold to the touch
water shoes squeak
then slide
hands clasping hands
i regain my balance
wet clothes sticking to skin
colors made brighter in the sun
shining through the water,
a rainbow across the rocks
Climbing up now
the rough stone biting flesh
piercing skin
goosebumps spreading
up and
down my arms
air is scare
eyes blinded by a fine mist
the ringing in my ears
matched only by the sound
of water violently hitting rocks
beating them further down
into the riverbed
rising to the surface
legs hitting against rocks
feet looking for support
and finding none,
i slip again
i jump
frigid water pulls me under
and i’m surrounded by bubbles
like a butterfly in its cocoon
water filling mouth
teeth chattering
i kick up
but the strong hands
of a stranger reach out
grabbing onto me
pulling me back to safety
“Climb,” the guide says
So, i do
