The High Dive

I have been in the deep murky waters.

Gasping for breath,

over my head,

choking…

Through the pain I struggled.

Reaching for the edge,

grasping,

finally pulling myself out.

After a time of clearing my lungs,

clearing my eyes,

I gaze upward,

back toward the high dive.

Fear keeps me apprehensive.

Desire pushes me forward.

Back to the ladder I climb,

each rung a battle,

each rung a fight.

Many times I have reached the top.

Many times I have looked over.

Memories

and anxieties turn me back.

‘til I hear a small voice in the pool.
A pool of repression,

a pool of disenchantment,

and it coaxes me

to the tip of the board once again.

I look over,

and the water is not so dark.

The water looks calm and warm

and friendly.

Resistance recedes,

and I bend my knees to jump.

29oct01

j. david bliley