Open Water

I fear
his forgotten laugh.
Sand and pebbles
retreating to the ocean.
A sand castle of memory
crumbled,
scattered
out to sea.

I fear
weeping.
Consumed by salt,
undulating body
washed by waves of sobs

I fear
grief.
It tears and bites
like jagged rocks,
sucks me
down with undertow.
Shocked and numb –
jellyfish sting.

I fear
love.
Standing ashore,
I watch
boats drift.
Scared of open
water,
I refuse
my ride.