Shadows Into Light

Taking the Plunge

I'm swimming in a sea

of lost voices

and quiet souls.

Sometimes I can't swim,

and I just sink

deeper into the voices.

They call for me,

taunting and pulling at my heart.

My only possession.

They all want my heart,

they offer me unworldly gifts,

and share the faces of my fears.

Sometimes I can swim,

I pull away from the voices

towards the boat where my rescuer sits.

Never do get to see the face of my aide.

Their form looks familiar -

sometimes a family member or friend,

or someone who has access to my heart.

Now the sea is becoming clearer,

as if I got a better prescription of glasses,

now I see the blurry faces around me.

The ones who swim around me have names,

anxiety,

self-conscience,

and guilt.

Their voices always echo in my head,

reminding me of my flaws

and wanting to crush my heart.

They wear my face,

use my voice,

and break my heart.

I see the boat coming,

drifting through lapping water

and a hand extends.

The hand was familiar,

and my heart leapt,

as the face came out of the shadows.

It was me.

I was saving myself from drowning in my guilt.

There was no knight in shiny armor.

Just me.

I know that this is just a vicious cycle,

swimming and drowning,

but I'm the only one who can save myself.

This poem is a reminder to me,

and to others,

that you should never underestimate

your strength.