We tread water and
we learn to sink or swim
to kick up dusty corners of our souls
believe, act out, regret.

Was it not here that my hands
conjured your likeness
formed your contours and your curves
from clay and sand?

We tread water when we must
for on occasion it's too much
too much for one to burden
and not shatter

Was it not there that I held you first
that swore to hold you always
was it not I that just that once believed
there is no fear for the just, only reprieve.

We tread water, or we'd like to think we do
because insignificance is not a thought that we can stomach
We tread water because drowning
ah the drowning beckons, a molasses dream
we tread water because we have found each other
we once knew one another
we once thought that this alone
would be enough.

We tread water because otherwise
the mind disintegrates,
heart breaks
soul shatters...

I tread water because I haven't conquered the reflex....