i am drowning. strangling pressure cups my frightened face, caresses my flailing limbs. its cold clenching hands grasping, pulling, beckoning me, boasting safety and security within its undulating abyss.

breath

numbing and chilled, it creeps inside me, flooding my body with sedating venom, the hopeful light above fading as my chaosed mind is pinned under crushing power.

breath

my aching thoughts crave respite, my salty tears mingle unseen in the murky depths. i meekly surrender to its tearing clutches, searching vainly for that glimmering spot of hope, reaching out and finding nothing.

breath

my eyes snap open. i watch hopelessly, my placid surface frozen, hiding the tumultuous currents beneath. my protection and comfort lie comatose before me, living only through each slow, steady

breath

fear wraps his hindering fingers around my throat, slips in, his tightening grip seizing my voice, the unspoken words lingering behind silent lips: i love you.

rattle.