Where did the Walden dream go When the flood washed me into the river And I couldn't decide if the brackish leap Was worth the chaos and beauty Of the whole ocean If it weren't a choice it would be one thing The tadpole can't leave the crick or shallow lagoon Salmon jump back up to die and make more And a smart whale won't cross into the St. Lawrence But here I am, stuck with the options Places to swim and the equipment to do it Intermittent retirement and a community chest The call of the wild free deep And an inherent flow that may, dare I suggest, Seem like a nature who I want to love