When I was young I stood
Cautiously at the edge
Clutching my mother's hand, squealing
As the waves lapped at my ankles
And pulled away
When I tried to touch them.

As I aged, I grew brave
Wading into the waves, knee-deep
Chasing them up the shore, kicking
Because they posed no threat
Existing simply
For my entertainment.

Then adolescence;
No longer was the water
Warm and pleasant to touch, instead
It swirled coldly about my waist
Tugging me one way
Then changing its mind.

Deeper I was submerged
Until my eyes were masked.
I could not reckon with direction, but rather
The struggle with the hands
Clutching me tight
And pulling me under
To join the drowned.