Life

In sea shallows, I slope a toe

and feel that first shock

of electricity

when a little wave arises.

I take a step ahead now,

numb to the shinbone,

anticipating

what to do next. To fight

for consciousness,

flee into apathy,

wait?

Skip ahead and a new wave catches

thighs - bring it on -

and another forward-move

until a boomer whacks my chest

to almost a topple

of torso and water.

I keep walking

beyond mindful tricks

of cold and danger

to go again

another time,

another push

knowing that heart is red and strong

with muscles a-tightening

ready to leap

and be lifted,

surrender

and swim.