I was leaning on the railing,
contemplating my life in the way
bridges seem to draw one into reflection.

The sun was at my back,
my shadow in the water below,
a distorted view of my dark side.

A skidding mallard
rippled through my shade
purling me out of focus.

Something half sunken
drifted into my being,
a slough shed by a snake.

If only I could do the same,
a molting that would cast aside
my life's hide

releasing pure reflection
that would permit me
to see my way clear,

clean to the bottom.