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The pain in my stomach

the wrangling with my neighbor

the bills

the restless winter nights,

these are the water

in which I learn to swim.

 

“Can’t I just stand on shore

while You teach me?”

the mind pleads.

 

“No.”

 

I dive in

so the Beloved can show me

how easily I float.

 

Once in the water I see…

it is all for me.

This breast and backstroke,

this crawl and butterfly

are the manna of soul,

and the water merely

the resistant force.

 

Soon within what was a tsunami

I soar weightless,

do somersaults and handstands

relish the bubbles tingling on my skin.

 

This ocean is my perfect teaching

and You,

my sublime swimming Master.