come to the river
sit down on its banks
and listen
to the trickling sounds
of water winding itself 
around rocks
to travel downstream
nourishing the earth
and your heart

when the goddess Ganga
was told to descend 
to earth 
from the heavens
she threw herself
down in anger 
and absolute power
intent to drench the ground 
and destroy it

but Shiva stood high
braced himself and caught
her fall
allowing her water
to soften as it
nestled through
his tangled hair
forming the beautiful river
at his feet

come to the river
where divinity resides
and listen
bathe in her waters
of forgiveness
realizing like the goddess
that anger only leads 
to a path
that destroys you

the healing water is holy
and you are safe