The Final Stretch

The small rocks will add up

The small rocks will add up by tingtamtam

© 2013

Every traitorous thought you harbour 

ties a small rock to your ankle

as you tread water in the open ocean.

Every spiteful thought from a family member, 

friend, acquaintance, stranger

ties another.

It weighs you down,

of course it would.

You know how to swim,

you know how to float and tread water.

But that is not what will save you.

Everyone tires eventually.

You hold a pair of scissors in your hand.

It is slightly blunt,

of course it is.

You've cut your wrists and thighs and stomach,

your worth

so many times.

But even the bluntest of scissors will be helpful 

when you're about to drown.

Wear down the string 

then leave them behind on the ocean's floors. 

It is easier to cut away what weighs you down

than try and pretend it doesn't bother you.

I have far too many rocks, and a pair of scissors that are far too blunt. 

I'd rather drown, and leave something for the fishes.