Fear of drowning
I used to visit the sea
drawn to it to sit for hours
watching the waves drag the shingle from the shore
snatched into the icy waters against its will.
I used to feel like shingle
a small piece of stone
insignificant
at the mercy of the sea, waiting to drown.
I used to wake at night
sweating, breathing distorted
as the sea dragged me from my beach
thrashing about and helpless
But no more
I looked today upon the sea
it was calm and gently lapping
I pictured myself, serene and floating
in control of the water
in control of my destiny
Embracing the water
not fearing it
Drowning only my fears
Gail Curry is based in Whitley Bay. Her collection, Lines from An Unfinished Love Song, charts her recovery from mental illness and is being launched at Laing Gallery in Newcastle on October 5th in time for World Mental Health Day. All proceeds from the sale of the sale of the book being donated to Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland.
Celebrating Change 