Treading Water

One gasp for air and then another
And to be steadied, an unfounded grasp
Meager energy is available for little else
Breaths are carefully timed to precede the waves.

Tread, tread, tread
Breathe, breathe, breathe
And believe
For a random reprieve or rescue.

A glimmer of hope
A familiar voice
A lifesaver on which to embrace.

What creates breathlessness?
The reason is inconsequential
Physical means lessen
Survival becomes the goal.

Tread, tread, tread
One step in front of the other
One errand to run or meeting to attend, and then another
Vision is unclear.

Paths are crossed by faith
And turns beg to be taken
Bumps are inevitable.

The mind absorbs mainly critical information
Memory is fuzzy
A nap... or gingerly sleep... is vital for the wearied
A need that is often shaken.

Tread, tread, tread
Knocking waves

DeRachel

Powerful undercurrents

Endless whacks and punches.

A disturbed stomach

Partners with a rescuing Friend's presence

... Let it go.

Clobber unrest.

Dip in...
Soak into the moment
"Calgon, take me away!"

... 'Til fingertips wrinkle to resemble prunes
'Til skin squeaks
'Til the quieted soul quite quietly speaks.

'Til twizzled thoughts
Float together like puzzle pieces
Hear the snap, feel the fit, see the picture unfold
Sense the "aha."

'Til the world begins to make some sense
'Til cobwebs are swept away, or at least lessened
'Til a refreshed soul is ready to dance. to dress. and to address.

To valiantly tread. Treadled duress.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul (Psalm 23).