The Water Collection

For Posterity

~Augustus Snodgrass

I used to dive off cliffs;

Head first,

arms wide,

Plummeting down 

towards rocks 

and river.

My head hitting first

and then the water holds me

as I go down 

then up,

fast

because my breath is gone.

But one time,

I tripped.

My toe caught.

The nail ripped;

red ran down my foot,

which was flying 

as I fell.

The river out of reach.

last minute

reflex,

I kicked forward.

I hit the water.

I stopped jumping.

But you said I’d have no stories to tell my kids.

You said it was for posterity.

The river is beautiful

but I don’t trust the cliffs

I don’t dive

I don’t throw myself off anymore

I wait 

cautious,

looking down

calculating.

And then,

I jump:

feet, torso, head.