River Brown

Lagoon Dive

Suspended in warm, rhythmic kelp,

gliding over a sandy floor, as sometimes happens in dreams,

I suddenly realize that I’m not dressed for the occasion.

This suit is for the depths: Now I’m in wavy water light.

I’ve feared the deep ocean in night terrors; And sharks appearing suddenly in swimming pools.

This diving suit is a vintage outfit from the closet of my reptilian brain. 

With each pulse of water,

Every fresh view of the lagoon,

My breath lights up my mind,

And slowly… my body feels freer. 

Here, life is warmer, more interesting.

I must shed this old shell.

What lovely, if strange, inner world

Might I next explore?

 – River