How do you know when you’re underwater?

When bubbles come out of your mouth?

When you can’t scratch an itch because of your soft nails.

You had nothing to say on land. Suddenly, it seems urgent.

Jumped in, chose with discernment.

Hypervigilant, not able to pressurize.

Forgot how to breathe.

Everyone else seems to have taken a course. Why wasn’t I given a snorkel?

/

When you and hope part ways

She writes her ode to seaweed

Look at what the light did now, it’s beautiful down here.

Help me find my gills,

They’re around here somewhere.