The Baptism

Beneath a fragile glistening surface

Sharp sounds changed into mute softness

Then, raised upward, breaking the moment's stillness

A watery, calming warmth dripping away

Before, clothed with scarlet stains of past days

Yet now, naked I stood, wet and without palm leaves

A new crisp air filled my lungs, I too was new

Free from the chains heaped upon me by others