Drowning is unexpectedly silent
It starts small -
Tolerated aggressions and indulged obligations
That quickly pile up to the waist

Then you find
Seething contempt in intimate places
In the wake of harlotry and barrenness

Eventually
Dead tigers and molting snakes visit you
In the dead of night
And take you to ancient ziggurats
Seats of old powers and authorities

Watch after watch
The void whispers and beckons
Out on the balcony or beside busy roads

And you turn invisible in phrases
As greetings go unanswered
And cries remain muffled
You slowly destruct inwardly
Until you barely recognize yourself

When the water reaches your ears
The pull of the void is stronger than ever before.