MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN

In the middle of the ocean I lie
There is not a single cloud in the sky
The sun beams down and browns my skin evenly
Drying my skin like a towel, boiling my blood like tea;

I close my eyes. I tune out my surroundings
The waves rock me to sleep, mounting the boat like a carriage,
Surrounded by the scent of sandalwood and a hint of jasmine
The world is my oyster, and with one bite, I take it all in.

The soothing cool of the ocean blue
I dip my hand in and feel it brew
The crash of the waves stirs it smooth
Numbing my skin so blue it bruised;

I open my tired eyes and look around
Amidst the endless sea, there is no sound
For only the pumping of my blood creates new music
I breathe in the ocean mist, transfuse it into me

For a moment, there is no struggle. No doubts or regrets
Every mistake made like sweat, evaporating, no longer absorbed back in
I am the ocean, and I teach my mind to swim
Allow my consciousness to grow dim, find inner peace limb to limb

The warmth of the eternal light brings familiar comfort
I smile, lay me down for my final slumber
My ocean eyes flood the boat, sinking me down
And I finally learn to breathe as I drown.

In the middle of the ocean, I lie
Where else would I die?