Don’t Forget

Ocean waves crash down
Stumbling
Uneven sand
Sense of safety and surety disappear with the undertow
As I step forward but find no purchase
Tumbling
Nothing to catch myself on but water
Plunging face-first into briny murk
Backwash receding churning sandy depths into salty spray
Sputtering
Aftertaste of fear clinging to my tongue like a film of disgust that burns along with my eyes as I wipe the saltiness away
Righting myself I make an attempt at uprightness
Just in time for my face to meet the onrushing wave that sends me barreling
Which way is up?
Gasping for air, desperately confused
Expanse of white-tipped crests threatening impending challenges
Struggling
Barely wading, slowly sinking
Arms and legs paddling
Slowing
Defeat feels imminent
All this progress
All these changes
All to no avail
I tried
It’s no use
The only difference between then and now
Is that I drown unwillingly now
I sink
My feet touch the ground
Feeling firmness beneath tired soles
I stand
The water barely reaches my chest
In my fear I forgot my foundation was in reach
Curled up
Scared
I was a ball of isolation
I had nothing to fear
I just needed
To expand