Push to the surface
I’m trying, but the waves
Pin me to the sand
Hold me down while
Thoughts tumble through my mind
Eyes straining through saltwater tears
Protect your skin
From sharp-edged shells,
Crab claws and broken glass
Pain diffuses into the ocean in this
Underwater chaos; it’s hard to feel my body
Where does the water stop and I begin?
Come up for air
Gasping, choking but the ocean seems so still
How is everyone so calm?
Kids playing, moms laughing, sun shining
But I look out toward the horizon and see
The waves lining up in the distance
Waiting to take their turn.
SKETCHING A STORY 