Bubbles like dreams dance to the surface
Seeing the world for the first time,
But my feet and hands are shackled to the abyss,
Oh, these transparent and aqueous chains!
Through the kaleidoscope and rippling surface
I see hazy gulls soaring on drafts,
Ballerinas in the sky,
Flying ever higher.
A scream escapes my scarred lungs,
Mere vibrations eaten by the current -
Invisible hands beating and bruising
Laughing and challenging all around.
How my lips long for the taste of the breeze,
Eyes for the colors of the clouds and trees,
And feet for support of the rich soil.
That would be the beginning,
But how do I swim?