The Ocean

I saw my friend, her face reflected in the ocean.
It showed her more twisted and ugly than I had seen in years.
I have seen all of my friends twist in the tide.
The others were blinded by the sun on the sand. They were unable to
see what was happening.

I have lost something that I could never put my finger on, but I always needed.
It pulls the very breath out from under my lungs. It rips the shoes off my feet and fills them with sand. My heels are worn bloody from not wearing socks.

Sometimes the ocean gives breath and life. It's salty kisses, heal the wounds of bug bites, broken hearts and city burn-out. I've grown accustomed to the ocean giving and revitalizing.

I saw myself reflected in the ocean and knew at that moment that it had
taken a piece of my soul. It is jarring when you realize that it's no longer a one way relationship.
The ocean wanted to take and I wanted to take. The ocean always wins.

For two days I have been on the verge of tears and yet of the three people
who are closest to me, only one cared to find out why.

I feel sunburnt and out of place in the city. Why am I here?
Everything comes and goes in waves. I want to build a sand castle all by myself. I want everyone to leave me alone. I need to wait for the ocean to forgive me.

I fear, I can never go back.
My time has passed and I have dropped the torch.


Oh twisted one, it is yours to pick up.
I love you, no matter how grotesque you become.