When unnamed fears surround, abound

And troubling waters slosh around your heavy feet,

Must you drown to satisfy the demons

Or swim the last mile of the meet?

Blood rushes to your lower extremities;

You lift your feet one by one

Trying somehow to overcome the troubled waters

That come in wave after wave that surround, abound.

Your whole being clothed in unnamed fears,

Soaked with constant tears, can you survive?

With demons hounding intent on drowning

You and your dreams, how will you stay alive?

Breathing becomes more difficult;

You gasp for air while looking around

Desperately for someone to share

Your last breathless moment of despair.

Look furtively. Glance from side to side.

Is one near to care?

Don’t completely close your eyes;

Squint and you’ll see

A bit of brilliant glimmer coming closer.

It’s someone from long ago.

It’s someone you no longer recognize.

It’s hope. It has to be.

© Rosalie M. Taylor