Third Time
Down
Cool water gasping choking
Up then plunging down down again and up once more
Lungs burning, last cries for help unheard
The children continue to toss the ball
The ladys on their deck chairs
Unknowing of it all talk and visit
Though but for a brief glance
Appalling sight they might have beheld
One last gasp of air, watching them all
As at a distance apart, amazed in some way
That I can rationalize even unto comtemplation
Of my own certain death ,third time down
I know its the end people dont survive beyond this
Then once again what is this
It is not the end my efforts can find reward
As I keep pushing myself to the poolside
Gasping painfully for evey water filled breath
Finally I catch the side, weakly shakily grasped
Children at play, ladies visiting for the day
Totally unaware, of narrowly averted nightmare
Of life and death struggle at less then 50 feet
A world apart, each in his own
© 2002 Kelly K. Sweet
