Mantra

The more time I spend submerged.

The more I find pieces of myself that have been buried.

The creator, the lover, the friend, the child, the woman, the forgiver, the dancer.

As I fall to the bottom with more love to myself, I think, one day, “I may be able to share that love again.”

Standing on the bottom, rocks in hands to hold me there.

The only restraint being prisoned beneath my ribs.

I feel alive.

So alive.

Each time, each time - I am told we are done - a small wave of grief passes.

I leave pieces of myself underwater and it is hard to leave that person.

It is hard to have to come back to dry land.

But I will continue to do what I must, so that I can return.

If it is dollars the people want from me, let me continue to serve in ways that will sustain my heart and my community.

I will adapt; I am a creature of creation that is creative.

I have right intention in my pursuits and will do my work to return to myself.

Forever in the waters awaits me; for now I am still learning reverse metamorphosis.

There are obstacles here on dryland that I must venture. These will build my gills and strengthen my adaptability.

So that I may return; whole to myself.

#seaempathy