The Desperate Deep

 

He knew he had gone too far.

The shore had suddenly slipped

away from him.

No longer could his feet reach

the sandy bottom. Although he

was able to tread water, not

being a confident swimmer,

he was on the verge of panic.

He knew then he had gone too

far out and was in over his head.

You fool! You fool! He kept

telling himself. This is no way

to go.

With the sound of crashing

waves between him and shore,

he was beyond screams

for help to be heard.

Breathe, breathe slowly he

repeated over and over to

himself.

Turn and paddle toward the shore.

You can make it; you must make it;

this is no way to go.

He had discovered that which he

most feared ...

What was out there beyond the

waves rushing in phalanx toward

the sandy shore?

What lies beneath out beyond

the coral reef?

It was the deep he feared, the

looming darkness, the final

breath and the strangle hold

of desperate deep.

You can make it; you must make it...

               -30-

Chris Hanch 2-12-2021