My Name Is Legion

Do you remember that time when you waded out into the bay

Until the sea cooled your ribs and the shore receded?

You struck out, from turquoise to deep blue,

Round the headland and towards the sun,

Telling yourself there were no sharks in these waters,

And that it wasn’t so very far, if you can keep a steady pace,

Resist the rising tempo, stop trying to outswim the sharks,

Because there are none.

Do you remember feeling sand on the soles of your feet in the next bay along,

Striding ashore, a conqueror of the ocean, and yourself,

Walking heavy limbed and dripping into the warmth of your own daring?

Can you recall that wedding, that classroom, that funeral?

The one where you stood firm on jellied legs,

Spoke even though your voice broke,

Looked them in the eye, refused to shame yourself for feeling

And felt the stronger for it?

Now recollect that other sea, under the midnight sun,

How you plunged into frigid waves just to know you could,

Or that mountain, or that rock face, or that leap,

Just to know you could,

And feel your bones thicken with the knowing.

The cave where your heart pounded

Somewhere between your chin on the floor and your crown on the ceiling,

And you reminded yourself to breath and be patient

And emerged master of the depths?

The conversations where your heart shrank

But you kept your chin up and held your crown humbly in your own hands

And reminded yourself, breath, be patient,

This does not define you.

Remember when you thought you could not, and did.

Remember when you feared you were not enough, and said yes all the same.

Remember when you fell and stood up, when you cried and still kept your eye fixed,

When you feared, but promised to stay,

And stayed, and did not die.

Now stand, amidst your gathered company.

I can prevail.