at dawn we’ll ascend

This horizon holds its breath
and so do I

Her sun, sinking below an apricot sky,
peers over the sea-blue cape of her shoulder
and looks at me, knowingly

I didn’t always know,
she tells me.

the sand is unsteady
if only time could stand still
so I didn’t sink
into these depths of ocean
I am salt to the sea

so I run—
tides pulling me back

at times they’re steady and slow
but right now their massive and consuming
lungs are caught in a maelstrom
and I am submerged

if only time could stand still

I see salvation
in a passing ship
bound for distant lands
but where’s the guarantee
there’s not another storm?

Lapping waves wash away footprints
no proof of where I’ve come from

the tide finally exhales