Courage at Sea
The sea asked questions,
I waded deeper –
built a boat to chart the fathoms,
vanished on a tide of dread.
….How long have I been lost?
I remember grass,
and sand and people,
but it’s been years since
my body met the earth.
…Fears move to the surface
…to feed by starlight,
…I listen to the ripples.
By daylight my eyes ache
inspecting every knot and crack,
scanning the horizon,
weary of me.
I try to accept the absence
of answers, realise
….I need to reach the shore.
I could jump in,
but what lies in darkness?
Unseen monsters lick my limbs –
threaten to drag me under.
….But these are only threats.
If I do nothing, I will die.
….So I fill my lungs with air
….and use my arms and legs
…………to swim.
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Susanna Wooderson is a poet based in Suffolk, UK. She studies online with The Poetry School and is mentored by Rebecca Goss. Susanna has a fledgling blog at susannapoet.com and can be found on twitter and Instagram.
Abegail Morley 