Maryllises takes us through a day at the river that starts in pure pleasure and turns suddenly painful. The first lines are full of sensation: cool, fast water, sand under the feet, a run across a log bridge, a branch to sit on while the current tugs at your legs. Then comes the joyful jump, a "sharp sudden ounce of pain," and a deep cut on the foot.
The poem shifts in perspective, too. It begins with "you," but near the end the speaker says "my heel," as if the memory moves closer as the injury becomes real. The image of blood making "swirls of pain" in the water before the current carries it off is the most vivid moment, both beautiful and a little frightening.
The ending settles on mixed feelings. The speaker limps home feeling "wrong, but right" and "wonderful, but horrible." The mood is nostalgic and playful, with a bit of rebellious pride: the cut hurt, but it proves the adventure was real.