i know what it feels like
to have the ocean roll over your shoulders -

to try and have your feet touch the bottom
only to resurface gasping for air like you assume
it's your last.

i know what it feels like
to have your hands ripped by the ropes-
to grasp so tightly,
only to be cut and stung by the salt water
blessing your hands.

and i know what it feels like to have the water
float beneath your back
feeling every beat and current run across your body.

and one day i was caught in a rip tide
i yelled at the ocean, "stop holding me down. set me free."
it wouldn't give up.

and a few days later, i was casted like an anchor
in the bottom of the ocean- seeing no light
and i yelled, "stop holding me down. set me free."

and finally one day; it did.