When following the trail up Carrigain
I came upon a rugged brook that roared
The guide book warned me of this tricky glen
This was the difficult high-water ford

I searched the stream to find where I could cross
The shortest span, two rocks five feet apart
The yonder rock was small and round with moss
The launch rock’s where I paused to gather heart

I leaped and as my right foot touched the rock
It slipped off to the side and I fell in
The ice-cold water soaked my shirt and sock
I bruised my shoulder and cut up my shin

On the return I had to cross again
Like the first try I missed and fell back in