The suffocating sky upon my skin
in heavy sheets of satin, locks me in
while rising tides trade water with the air;
my silent screams resounding pagan prayers.

Reflections cut me close and ripple past
an upward gaze  (a plea for fate recast).
The options slim: to fight or drown before
my vacant core dies flaccid on the shore.

All that I have ever known or been
gets swept away and washed ashore again
when self-indictment draws me back to you.
this masochistic need for black and blue

wraps tight around my ankles, pulls me deep
into your arms, the ocean floor - asleep.
While water fills my lungs and steals my air,
your tightened grip - it kills me unaware.

*

they say that time can heal all wounds, but can it heal all fear?
the truth disguised in little lies, the answer drawing near.
my heart in two (my soul to keep) but deeper yet, my will
drowns out beneath the water cold and settles lower, still.