releasing

In the thunder of waves, in surf and sand,

I rolled violently with shells and seaweed. There was

only the tumble and drowning, a desperate search for air,

and a final expulsion of sea to land.

The sky was a figment of imagination,

and sound a bitter echo lost to wind.

Connections came in flashes, and I bore out

death with strangled sighs and careless grace.

I laughed at everything and cried at nothing. When the ocean

came for me again I was ready and willing.

I offered no resistance to the waves.

In the darkness I was free to dive with whales,

so I fell deeply and sang softly;

and finally, closed my eyes.