The Shallow End Poem by Nicky Tatem

I just can’t make it on dry land
I am a shell without majesty, without grace
Shapeless and oh so painfully ordinary
Longing to immerse myself in the solitary depths of the ocean – my friend.

When I am within you, I come alive
Temptation to inhale – fill my lungs with you
Feel you embrace me within & without
Feel gills where once was only skin
Fins where once were brittle bones
Grace where once ugliness was absolute.

Inside you, the piercing sounds of this world become as lilting whale-song, drifting toward me so calm & so gentle
The cities’ roar no longer rush through me
The sights & sounds down here are painted in the softest hues – so pleasing & self assured
The warmth of your waves surrounds me as I drift fragile & foetal, asleep in your mighty arms.

And tell me, am I the only one?
Can you assure me I’m the only one?
For as I look around I see shoals of new born souls - like me
All longing to be as one with my friend, the endless sea...

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