[Alex Pepple]

The Baptism of Descent


As wavelets weave concavities
beyond his lofty cliffside perch
on eon-etched sandstone, gravity’s

design takes wing within his church
that exalts such fervor for motion.
As the horizon frames the lurch

for union with the hymn of ocean—
the body’s faithful hold on true
ground yields, transmuted to the notion

of meteor hurtling to the blue
embrace of depths, no more constrained
for him baptized by brine anew.

Through surging froth, new spirit gained
ascends into the light unchained.

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~~~Original version ~~~

The Baptism of Descent


As wavelets weave concavities
beyond his high sentinel perch
on eon-etched sandstone, gravity’s

design takes wing within his church
that exalts such fervor for motion.
the horizon witnesses the lurch

for union with the hymn of ocean—
the body’s faithful hold on true
ground yields, transmuted to the notion

of meteor hurtling to a blue
embrace, with welcome ever gained
to one baptized by brine anew,

with surge of froth and blood attained,
as clear zeal blooms in light ordained.

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S2L3 was "With horizon as witness to the lurch"
S3L1 em dash was comma
S3L2 was "the faithful body’s orbit round the true"
S3L3 comma was em dash