The Water's Edge

an observation of my past

In a twist of quiet and unjust fate, my
Spirit a troubled past had to date.
Walking along an egg-shelled beach,
My soul cried out even as I reached
For your hand-- I could not see
Through the fog upon the waves--
During the vacuumed, empty days.

I feasted then upon a plate so cold,
And entered my lonely thoughts into the folds
Of silken robes draped to the wet floor.
Life opened up the once closed door
Where I always felt I did not belong--
But my voice above the sea is now strong
Allowing me to grow in exciting ways

I should have learned this years ago,
When to school I walked in the snow
And wore a child's pure innocence--
Seeing the world through rose lenses,
Uncomplicated by strained relationships--
Where pain should not have been on my lips--
When I was held on mother's hip.

But a tender embrace I did not feel,
Nor did I have any love that was real.
I do not remember feeling safe
When I stood before the open sea
And reached for you in the dark.
Instead, I saw the great white shark,
And fear pierced through my shaking heart.