(Fear of) Drowning: a Free-Verse Poem

Posted on by kelley

He dances around love wearing a life vest.
And no, its not a sweet, sensual Samba, but rather
a cautious, calculated Waltz.

Careful to only get his feet wet.
Just enough to cool the heat
and suppress his desire for/fear of companionship.
Never letting love lap at his knees, you know,
’cause they might get weak.

Then she came along.

Confident. Carefree. Warm + smiling.
No life vest! he noted.
She finds his hands and guides him.
Love hits his ankles.

Thighs.

Stomach.

Chest.

To the deep end.

He welcomes the submergence as love takes control
of his heartbeat, giving it new rhythm.

Equally submerged, she hasn’t let go.
Her grip is strong. Relentless and gentle.
The dance more fluid and enjoyable now with a good partner.
Scary and ..exciting.
It’s just hard to get close with that bulk around his chest.
But love is patient.

They dance a beautiful contemporary number now.
And he still wears that life vest.
Sometimes.
Just in case.

❤

© 2017 KBW

41 thoughts on “(Fear of) Drowning: a Free-Verse Poem”

  4. This poem resonates with me. I’m the one with the Life Vest. As far as romantic love or rather entanglements I rarely allow any man to get close to me. Usually I just close the door and walk away because after years of hurt and disappointment I’d rather be happily single.

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    Reply

    1. Believe me, I understand. And happily single is the only way to be single! If a partner does find you, or even if you face a new adventure or friend or business partner, the best energy will emit from an already content, positive being.

      Thanks for reading and sharing your testimony!

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      Reply

  5. Lovely. Every time I take off my vest I learned something about myself that helps me love me more. I still keep the vest handy and I’m finding protection is not the same as acceptance, and I deeply want to grow my trust.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. “Protection is not the same as acceptance.” Yes! I love that.
      Some pains seem like they’ll never stop until one day you look around and say hey, look at me living without the person I thought I couldn’t live without! We can grow from all situations if we’re ready and honest with ourselves.

      Thanks so much for reading + sharing your testimony.

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      Reply

    1. I’m glad you can laugh about it!
      In all honesty, I think those of us that have been hurt one too many times wear that life vest; it can either get in the way or save you from killing yourself.

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      Reply
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