Delicate Heartbeats

I understand

The push and pull

Of the ocean…

The rise and fall

Of the tides

And how exhausting

It can be

To constantly change

From low to high.

And I know how isolating

It can be

To roll towards

The security

Of the shore

With a stoic strength,

Just to break

At the feet

Of people

Who only want

To see pretty things.

I know what it’s like

To reach for the asylum

Of the beach,

Just to retreat

Back into the safety of me

Instead of accepting relief.

And I know what it’s like

To be home

To a sunless depth

That will always be

Just out of lights reach…

What it’s like

To be seen

As gentle and serene

And in the same breath

Described as merciless

And unforgiving.

Like me,

The sea hides

Beneath a sparkling sheath,

But behind the mystery

We both house the pulse

Of such delicate heartbeats.