Tides

In ten years I hope I don't find you
at the ocean's edge pacing
collecting small shells and watching the horizon
for the perfect ship to swim to
and wishing all the same it won't arrive
so that irrevocable plunge and unthinkable distance
through choppy waters can be forgotten,
eventually.

~~~

Once I remember how your tide pulled me out
I rolled on your big waves mesmerized
I only behaved floating free-falling
Surrrrrrenderrr
Rendering me unconscious
To anything but your blue waters
A dolphin I glided to your depths
I leaped and giggled
And time passed and passed

Until the waves crashed overhead tore me thrashed as the tide came back in (like it always has).

I clamored ashore
collapsed on the sand
and lied there stunned as a fish
wondering how to breath without water
.
.
.
Finally I felt a breath and realized it was my own
I watched it a long while
In and out and In
Out and In
and Out and In and Out
Until I was sure I was not dead
Out and In and Out
and In
Until I felt the tide-force within me
the same motion as the great seas
washing our peaceful Mother, and yet my own
In and Out

Until the union appeared

In

I Am

Out

All




I forgave you. And later, in the same moment, myself.