She’s drowning in a living sea,
Thrashing around trying to get someone’s attention
But it’s no use; her cries aren’t heard over the crashing waves of people’s voices.
She tries to fight it but soon she gives up and stops thrashing.
Her voice grows hoarse from choking on salt water that is people’s words.
She’s ready to let go but there is something inside that latches onto a sliver of hope like a lifeboat.
Slowly, the waves calm down.
Slowly, her voice becomes stronger.
Slowly, that sliver of hope grows.
She was once ready to give up, but now she’s ready to fight.
She’s learning how to swim above the surface
She’s learning how not to choke on the salt.
She’s learning that it’s ok to let the current sweep her away when her arms grow heavy-
But-
Once they are rested, she knows she has to carry on.
She knows this will never end
She will always have to swim
It’ll be harder some days
She wants to drown
But she’s tasted fresh air
And she’ll want to stay.
She’s no longer drowning in a living sea
She’s merely living in one.