Sink/Swim

Pull me out from under
the weight of myself;
I’m sinking
and I can’t breathe.

Don’t leave me here
to drown.
Don’t leave me here

alone.

I am terrified,
and I know that I am
worthless
without you.

The only way
I will ever fly
is if you lay yourself down
beneath me,
and hold up
my wings.

Wait.

Don’t take my place
in the water.
Never mind.
I didn’t mean it.

You can’t swim, anyway.

I love you.

I’d rather drown and let you go
than make you take another breath of

this dark ocean

in my stead.