Throughout the years I have been drawn to this place. On this bench I have sat with lovers, strangers who became friends, and friends who became strangers. It was here that I spoke with a man who was down and out, for life had cast him aside and the hollow within him echoed the nothingness without. He left with a smile. That night he cast life aside from the bridge beyond. Years later I returned with thoughts to do the same. This bench is my testimony. It has borne the weight of my world time and time again. And though the water still taunts me, a river cannot drown the ocean within me. So I sit with a half smile, because while I remain, I remember. Never take this life for granted. Nothing is certain.