Breath

Metaphoric

I think I'm not scared of the sea because

          of the water,

                    but rather because of the

                              metaphor.

When I look out at the ocean,

          it goes on as far as the eye can see

                    maybe even further.

That depth, that darkness, swallows

          me whole, it seems.

It takes my breath away

          in all the worst ways,

                    like it's hands

                              are around my neck.

My heart stops.

It's that enigmatic beauty that can

          terrify a person.

It's a metaphor, that's why I'm afraid.

It's a metaphor.

It's a metaphor for life.