The river is swelling with the flood Behind me are towering mountains On either side stretch menacing deserts But for a rugged raft, I have no means of salvation I must sail with this raft and grapple with the raving waves I must turn my hands into oars and row in the flood I must sink and not drown I must cease breathing and not die! My body is drenched in sweat The stream from my forehead pours into the rising deluge With every drop the swelling of the waves is quelled The uncontrollable foal of the river is tamed Its wrathful eyes become a serene poem! Now I can breathe in comfort and fill my lungs with the breeze Now I can close my eyes and draw a most beautiful portrait of you On the pages of my soul.