Drowning

This started out as a story...but since I'm trying to write poetry more it turned into a poem.

The memory is whitewashed beyond repair

Pushed back into the farthest corners of my mind

I’ve repressed it after all these years

But it resurfaced after certain triggers aligned.

 

It’s hard to recall how old I was, four or five?

Some family barbeque with a pool

On a long, forgotten, past Fourth of July

When the days were long and beautiful.

 

I scampered over to the stony edge

Of the water so smooth and clear

A moat, a stream, a river without a bridge.

Sparkling and inviting as a mirror.

 

I look at the lapping waves and feel no fear

Leaning in closer to see my reflection

What possible danger could lie here?

There’s no need for further protection.

 

In my curiosity I grow too bold

One false move, a fatal error

And I tumble down into the cold

Crashing through the glass forever.

 

I fall blindly, thrashing for support

Anything to cling to on my way down

Searching for a lifeline of some sort

But there’s no help to be found.

 

I want to scream, but there’s no use.

Throwing my head up desperately

I can barely see the surface

Feeling like my eyes deceive me.

 

But shining through the depths above

I see someone standing over me

An angel, a spirit, or someone I love?

It’s my father; he’s come to save me.

 

He’s watching but he doesn’t come

I start to panic, and my mind succumbs

I think he smiles happily at my misery

My thoughts blend together deliriously

 

 

Everything is fractured in my sight

Blackness replaces the clear blue light

I prepare to finally close my eyes

When I’m pulled out of this watery vice

 

My head breaks free

I drink in the sweet clear air

I cherish the warm breeze

Who had finally come to save me?

 

I turn to see who’d come to my aid

Once I do, my happiness starts to fade

The man lifting me up is a stranger

He’s the one who saved me from danger

 

I glare at the water below

My frantic breathing slows

My heartbeat is much too loud 

As I survey the waiting crowd.

 

I look at my father standing there

Grinning happily without a care.

Author's Note

Any notes would be greatly appreciated!

Reviews

[Jaslin K]

I love this! and I love how you used "watery vice". Very nice play of words 'sparkling and inviting like a mirror' So cute.
and I can relate to this, I almost drowned twice! once as a kid, once as an adult. I really hate water now lol.
but good job on the poem!

[Mary Fioratti]

I do not know if this is a real story, but i is really impressive... I was hoping that someone could help you - glad someone did! Very good written and you show your feelings in a perfect way... I felt locked in this page until I read the end...
*Mary*