Swinging

I swung from the branch,

Holding fast to the rope.

We swayed together,

Back and forth,

Cradled in the shelter

Of the leaves above.

I knew that I should let go,

I knew that I would have to take the plunge.

But I was bound to the rope—

We were intertwined—

And I knew that were I to let go,

The rope would fall.

Slowly, we swayed, and

Slowly, my fingers untangled...

As the water carried me away,

I glanced back and

Saw the rope,

Still hanging.