Even before the life of Christ the
powers of water
were recognised

to purify . to heal . to bless

baptism, sacrament
amrita, paritrana
ambrosia, mikveh
suigyo,

submerged in
the Ganges

In which far reaches of the
collective memory
do these traditions have their roots? 

. . .

The waterfall Svartifoss blessed me with her waters, mists and sprays kissing cold cheeks, droplets hung like silver on hair.