a waterfall envelope

She never felt bonded to the ocean, not in the way some people do. On the beach the other day someone asked her what her element is. "Not the water," she shook her head, shrugged...."the Earth? The rocks...". She wanted to hike, wanted to feel anchored by hiking boots that made each step a walking meditation. Now I am picking up my heel, now I am setting it down. She would go wandering often. She got lost sometimes, in the forests behind her house. Once in Thailand she lost the trail leading back from a waterfall. She had liked that water, then, after three hours on the path she had heard the waterfall before she ever saw it. Rushing. With an urgency that doesn't necessitate hurry. Just immediacy. She had peeled off her swimsuit top because in those days she felt it was a statement more than anything. But she also liked the air under her breasts. Cool water on the nipple. She climbed up the rocks that lead her to the pool before the great falls. Jumped into cool water and was refreshed, yes, but it wasnt soul quenching  the way some people dream in dolphin and think in sand. Slow rubble. The great pounding falls did beckon her, though. and as she walked towards it the earth under her shook and gave way to the water that demanded presence. To stand underneath the falls was a task, and she had to back in slowly and keep her head above her spine, "don't tuck your chin" a German boy told her who had just tried it himself. And she backed in, breasts bared and gaze ahead solemnly, and felt the way a letter feels once it has been sealed inside its envelope- destined in its home there, tucked away and wrapped inside of the essence of itself, really, more paper- to be sent onwards. to feel a journey around the edges that it wouldn't witness from inside it's paper shell, no- these journeys one never can see, but can feel  it as one makes its way, stamped and drawn with the wisdom and courage it takes to become ones full self, and licked and sent off abroad. Not to be sure where. But knowing fully you are taking the route that necessitates delivery.

No, she wasn't a water person, not in the way some people are. But she knew that it had reached around her and drew her in. sealed by the top to be sent, she was sure, ahead.