God was in the Water

by LeAnne Hunt

God was in the water.
I ran down the river, feet skimming over stones.
Suction from a fallen log pulled me under.
I floated in the in-between.

I ran down the river, feet skimming over stones.
My mother pulled me to safety by my hair.
I floated in the in-between.
Why would He save you when so many drown?

My mother pulled me to safety by my hair;
only when I am brave, or especially hopeless, do I cut it short.
Why would He save you when so many drown?
the Church of Christ summer camp counselor asked.

Only when I am brave, or especially hopeless, do I cut it short.
Are you a Methodist?
the Church of Christ summer camp counselor asked.
Methodists are not saved. They are not immersed in the waters of Christ.

Are you a Methodist?
I have been baptized in the river.
Methodists are not saved; they are not immersed in the waters of Christ.
Volume determines salvation?

I have been baptized in the river.
Ever heard of a fucking metaphor?
Volume determines salvation;
I was cupped in His hands.

Ever heard of a fucking metaphor?
I come to him when I come, screaming his name.
I was cupped in his hands.
Lay me upon his altar.

I come to Him when I come, screaming His name.
God was in the water.
Lay me upon His altar.
God was in the water.