drown

We all loved the ocean

That’s why we are friends

I would like to still think that

We were floating

We were

The ocean’s pull got stronger

And we stayed

The ocean’s waves crashed over us

Again and again

We stayed

The seaweed wrapped around our legs

But we didn’t fight

We knew we were drowning

But at least we weren’t alone

Some of us cut free from the rope that kept us there, and swam to shore

Some of us let the boats float over us

My friends seem happy

So I stay here with them

I haven’t seen sand in so long

They tell me that dry sand is scratchy and rough

I shouldn’t want that

God, I haven’t seen sand in so long

But there we stayed

I feel the water building in my lungs

I want it to stop but the fear of being burned by the hot sand overtakes my need for freedom

Another boat passes

I scream for help

Bubbles float towards the surface

I tug on the seaweed

And try to reach for the boat

But my friends get angry

I can’t leave them

I live in the ocean

The water is made for my lungs

Which I have dressed up as gills

My beauty is my pruney fingers

My body belongs to the sea

My eyes burn

We are dying

Slowly drowning

But we are in it together

This comfort is stronger than life

I know I’m too young to die

But I don’t want to be alone

If I let myself

I could break free

What if I end up alone?

Grab onto the boat, Emma

But what if?

Have I made my peace with drowning?

Do I leave them behind?

Or shall we drown together forever…

-e.i.a

04/24/2022