Drowning

Drowning

Must the water hold
Identical chill,
Tug with the same irresistible weight
At your swiftly filling boots?
Must the curled, green wave
Drink the air from your lungs
With the self-same
Casual, icy slap,
Sending you to rest on
The very bones
Of that other drowned man

Well past the point of return
You remained certain that you were stronger,
A better person, more wise,
Protected by God
Until

You reached the bottom, resting beside
The one you refused to pull
To safety,
Scorning
His weakness,

Only now,
Have you come to understand
finally knowing the bitter truth of salt water,
Tide, currant and
Human frailty

Learning, too late
Lessons
That would have saved both
Of your lives