Fighting the Undertow

Image courtesy of Guy Sports

I caught a faint reflection

of what I thought was me –

I leaned too close and fell right in

The river fast and deep.

The waves’ roar, fierce and hungry,

Clutched with cruel claws;

Tossed me end to end to tip

And throttled with wet jaws.

My orientation left me

In search of space less cold

As wild I struck with hands and feet

To gain a spot to hold.

My nostrils flared, my lungs drank wet,

I thought that I was done –

When whispered in dishevelled ear

“Stand up, the battle’s won!”

‘Stand up?’ I cried, and swallowed gulps

Of water wild with spray.

And tossing hard upon the waves,

I felt my heart give way.

“Stand up!” the stern rebuke rejoined.

For balance, I sought new;

Fighting hard at current’s toss

As foot struck rock, hope grew.

The water, rushing on its way

Was only to my waist;

Although its fury gnashed and writhed

And furiously raced –

Walk through, I could; with effort true

I made it to the sod,

And choking long, and gasping hard,

I gave my thanks to God.

Image courtesy of PD Photo

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you walk through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…” Isaiah 43:1,2 NIV

8 comments on “Fighting the Undertow”

My Wyoming Adventure says:

May 11, 2012 at 8:31 am

Just beautiful!

melodylowes says:

May 11, 2012 at 8:34 am

Thank you so much! The ego is a bit fragile when starting a new venture like this new journey into poetry – and it is very gratifying indeed to have folks like you enjoy these words… so thanks. 🙂

Reply

petroneagu says:

May 11, 2012 at 1:05 pm

That’s absolutely beautiful! How can you be so creative with poetry? I have such deep respect for people able to write poetry…

Hugs

melodylowes says:

May 11, 2012 at 4:42 pm

I didn’t really know I could write it – maybe all the emotions of my healing are just coming out now. I’m having fun! Thanks as always for your lovely words. Hugs back!

Reply

celinechami says:

May 12, 2012 at 12:59 pm

AMAZING! You have an exceptional talent, and I’m so happy you’re giving us the privilege to get a glimpse of it. Posted a link to this on my blog – a MUST read!