depths

how I could drown now
inside this charade
in the ocean of love rolling over me
drifting in the balance
of opposing sides
amazed at the beauty both bring
finding wonder in the whys
knowing answers change
after all is said but not done

how I could drown now
in the majesty and travesty
of a pilgrim's diligent climb
conscious in the amnion
waiting to be born

how I could drown now
under this blanket of pressure
sent from above
scarcely remember how to breathe
down in this cloud of smoke
a stampede of rushing bodies
they move but do not know where to go

how I could drown now
in the tides that move destiny
forward on to our unknown
how I could drown now
in seeing and believing
in feeling and conceiving
while being
unable to stop fear

--Jennifer Bishop