Equals

The rush of water is loud in

my ears like thunder rumbling in the distance.

I follow the sound, desperate for something to cool down.

I see a clump of grey and mossy stepping stones and climb over them,

my body shaking like an earthquake from being unbalanced. 

I turn the corner, and stick to the path. The river is a sickeningly ugly blue-green pool of rubbish; a bruise on the scene. It sighs under the heavy weight of its pollution.

I think about cleaning it up, but decide against it.

I dip

my feet into the cold water. It feels as if

I have dipped

my feet into the heart of winter itself. If something were to go wrong,

I am alone. In the middle of a forest. With many dangers from the wild animals around

me.

I think, "I shouldn't be scared! they are below me. That’s why the river suffers under its burden of pollution." The air grows still and

I hear a voice. "You're not alone. We are here. and we are yours equals and not below you."

I jump,

my heart hammering in my chest.

I did not expect that. "Um, who said that?"

"Us," the voice speaks again. "Umm, ok," I respond. Together as

equals.