The below poem is based on a near drowning experience whilst as a teenager.
Took a big leap
Jumped into the deep
Nothing to grab
Sank like a concrete slab
Pause
Panic set in
Brought to the brink
The years flashed before the eyes
Is this how one dies?
Pause
Two men did come to the rescue
Hauled the exhausted body to the surface
In the ensuing years
This man was haunted by his fears
Pause
The experience left the mind in fright
Rarely able to take flight
Never a winner
But rather, always a beginner
Pause
Not wanting again to venture into the deep
Preferring rather to stay firmly on his feet
Now however, with a new sense of freedom
It is time to confront that pestering demon
Pause
And so, it is back into the water
Hence, learning to swim even, though older
And soon there will be another new leap
But this time, will no longer fear the deep
Vincenzo Russo©2021