Drowning

Can’t you see me drowning out in the deep blue sea?

A long way out, far from the warm sand; friends; safety.

No longer swimming, laughing, playing.

No longer having fun, not waving!

 

Can’t you see me drowning?

No longer swimming but treading water, staying afloat, keeping my head up.

Bobbing under, mouthful of salty water,

Why can’t you see?

 

Friends - backs turned, music and laughter too loud to hear my cries for help.

Radio blaring, sandcastles being built

Feet buried, grainy sandwiches.

 

Not waving, drowning!

The water is cold, going under, swallowing, spluttering, spitting, soundless screaming.

I thought I was supporting you.

You thought you were supporting me.

Going down together into the dark, deep abyss.

 

A hand, an arm.

Strength.

Dragging, pulling, lifting, saving.

You saw me drowning!

Breathing, drying, warming,

Coming round, desperate, splutter, splutter, cough, cough.

Thank you for seeing me, for stopping me, for saving me.

No longer drowning.

Learning to swim again.