Mouthful of Fresh Air

I’ve drowned many times before

     hints of twilight overcome

     where dark shadows loom

     jars of salty tears

     inside brittle ocean walls

I’ve drowned many times before

     weeping white crests of time

     carrying anguish in my seaweed

     opening undertows of dread

     swept out to sea of no return

I’ve drowned many times before

     clouds of my breath

     sorrowfully head home

     as I swim long strokes

     of a cerulean beginning

I’ve drowned many times before

     caught in the shallows

     I plan my break

     in dawning of red globe

     of enveloping sunshine

I’ve drowned many times before

     slow rhythm of the wind

     whispers on my skin

     morning tide tiptoes

     cleansing my soul.