one step more

alone at sunrise,

i remember

the water getting colder

around my waist

as i walked into the bay.

inching my way

along the soft sand.

there were sunfish beside me.

golden and flat, 

gentle as they rubbed

against my legs.

i was only seven.

the water covered my mouth,

my nose

as the blue sky

vanished.

i struggled to breathe,

then swung my arms

frantically.

digging my feet into the shell

laden bottom.

one step more

and i'd never be here,

doing this.