Why look, I haven't posted in almost a year...

So I suspect no one is reading this anymore. :)

Anyway. Turned 42 yesterday, had a good birthday weekend. Am quite happy with my life: good family, good friends, career I enjoy -- I can't complain. :)

And ok. I'm not a poet; I don't pretend to be. But I was feeling deeply last night, and this is what came out...

(And if my inspiration is reading this, thank you. You know who you are. ;) )

-=-=-

Always before, it was the roaring surf,
The tidal wave,
Rushing in and dragging me out to sea.
Will I or won't I? It didn't matter:
I was in over my head,
Tempest-tossed, without choice,
Swept away in emotional turmoil,
That, often as not, ended as quickly as it began,
Leaving me stranded on the shore,
Gasping for breath--
And alone.

This... this is different.
A quieter beginning; a slow crescendo.
I examine, I wade, I explore.
No submerged rocks, nothing lurking in the depths,
Nothing but waves lapping gently at my feet,
Inviting me, beguiling me with possibility:
"Come on in-- the water's fine."

And so.
I stand at the edge,
Gather my courage,
And choose to dive.

And fine it is.
The water is clear and cool,
Over my head, but not drowning me.
Exhilarated, joyful, unafraid,
I surface, taking clean, even strokes:
Years of thrashing against the current has made me stronger.
The water surrounds me and supports me.
No longer at the mercy of the undertow,
I duck beneath another wave and come out laughing.
Finally I understand
just how much fun this can be!