I learned to deal with you
Like I learned to deal with the ocean
Be still
Be relaxed
Be unmoving
Till the wave passes over me
But for that moment,
You are a Kanagawa force
And I am caught in your turmoil, underwater
You shout
Press
*what else can I do for you?
It’s for you!!!*
Slack body is tossed like dirty clothes in the wash
Pounding me deeper into spiraling dark water
Draws at my shivering limbs
Thrashes at my pride and response and resolve
But a retort is the instigator
That would turn your wave into a storm
And your storm into your hurricane
But god, my lungs, they vie for air
Coax me:
Say something to subdue him
Say anything
Run away
Breath
And you get right up, right close to my face
*Convince me that you’re happy
Convince me that you’re fine
A fine and happy person doesn’t bend to the will of the waves*
You can’t coax me out of expiry
And you walk away
Curse yourself
As I come up for air
Smooth the brine from my face and hair
One more time
And ask
Why are your eyes sore
You turn
The tides gone down
The ocean is stiller
Regardless
I still got salt in my eyes