I first arrived
and this beach
looked like heaven.
Sand shifting
like clouds beneath my feet,
nothing bad could happen
in a place that looks this good.
And I guess
in the excitement
I never noticed
it was low tide.
My brow furrows
as I try
desperately
to see land past the water
but it is endless.
So I sit at the feet
of this endless god
inhale the salty spray
inhale the peaceful air.
How long have I been here?
At some point
the water
I swear
it moved
I swear
the water
it's coming for me.
My eyes are fixed
the edge of the water
approaching slowly
but I think
it's getting faster.
Cold
wet
my rightmost toe
it is here.
Why am I
still
here?
My mind has tied me down
I stare
unmoving
as the water engulfs my feet.
I do not twitch
I do not blink
I watch
my own fate unfolding.
I never learned
how to swim.