At eye level, the sea surface looked like the brooding moment before a shark attack in some movie. I pushed that image far away from my eyes and thought of nothing instead. Just watching water.
Always moving, it provides a comfort that’s hard to describe. Where does the sky begin, where does it touch the ocean? In my mind I’m drawing a picture where I sit at the center, the lines of the sky and the sea meeting at each of my limbs.
Far off faces and voices scatter across the sand. The sun setting slowly behind their chaotic movements. Thirty minutes ago it was pouring, now all is still.
I chased you in here. I know you wanted peace, but I want some of you too.
Dark clouds mixed with a pink goodbye to the last of today’s sun. I felt like our souls were actually up in there twisting and warming, but we looked into each other’s eyes and talked about nothing like normal people do.
You say you never learned how to float.
It’s instinct, I swear, but you’re not so sure.
Just lay back, don’t do anything.
It doesn’t work for you and I can’t explain how it works for me. Maybe that’s why I’m always setting you straight and cooling you down when your anger bites.
Your body doesn’t float.
I want you. I want this soothing water and moody sky to be stitched into my skin and wet arms. I want it to all be okay.
I float until the very last second I can manage. I skim the surface of the soft waves with my eyes. I don’t think about sharks, but a dark shadow passes below me.
I know it is nothing.
I know I’m meant to be here and there’s nothing to be afraid of.
But you drift away and your thoughts have different ideas than I’m allowed to listen to. Maybe mine are like that too.
I’ve never understood the rules.
Thanks for being here
Did you know…
if you decide to become a paid subscriber,
I will mail you a postcard size art print
with a poem or message handwritten on the back.
~~~
Additionally, all of my art is available for purchase.
The original art featured with this poem is $120, shipped free within the US (outside US shipping costs vary). A color copy on nice paper is $30.
With the art, I will include a personalized note pertaining to your Substack account, this poem handwritten on the back of it, or something you may request.
Please DM me if you are interested : )
Very well done