The Surface

There was a fire

it burned with great intensity

now, without a sound

there is only darkness

damp ground and singed trees.

i was alive and i knew hope

now i know nothing but the depths of the ocean

and lack of air

i’m sinking, not swimming

i’m drowning, not falling

it is a slow descent

full of terror

full of sorrow

as my vision dies

the last thing i can think of

is to stretch my hand out

toward the surface