Echocardiogram Poem by Raynette Eitel

Someone is eavesdropping on my heart.
Wires taped to my chest
reveal ocean sounds swishing
rhythmically and without ceasing.

I am not sure whether my tide is in or out,
but I lie here listening to my own
private heart swooshes,
remembering to breathe,
trying to pray.

This is new territory.
Once I took for granted
my heart would always beat.

Once I paid no attention
when an occasional flutter
like a swarm of moths
paused in my chest for a brief rest.

Now I know there is this ocean sound
and I am the beach,
longing for the waves to last forever.