these winter waves
are deceptively small
as they fold over and over,
first a gentle curve,
then a harsher slap on sand.
i watch from a distance.
the winter waves
are cold, hypnotic
and though small,
i am quite sure they
could tug me out
to a place very far away,
to a place from which i could
not swim back,
as my body grew numb and sank.
i wish it frightened me,
imagining how i’d whisper
into icy water
all the words i want to say
in the dark against your lips.
i watch from a distance
that seems safe,
still and dry,
but wonder if
maybe i haven’t been
dragged away
already.
momaste 