Your Own Worst Enemy

Like anything in life worthwhile, you have to dive in not thinking too much about the consequences. So I jumped, I leapt, I dove head first. The water was that perfect temperature that swirls around you and envelopes you, holds you in it’s arms and pulls you into that very moment. Quiet. Warmth. A subtle, beating heart. Everything in slow motion.

I pushed myself to the surface clawing at the water with my hands, kicking like a baby in a bassinet. I breathed again. It all seemed different when my head broke the surface and I gasped for air. The colors were more vivid, the smells more pungent and sweet, the sounds were the melodies of far away canyons and the murmuring of a lover in your ear.

I floated on my back for awhile taking it all in. I knew it couldn’t last forever cause things change, even from one moment to the next. But it felt so good as the warm wind brushed my cheek. How could anything be more perfect?

I can’t say for sure how it happened. A storm didn’t rush in, thunder cracking and lighting flashing like a guy with polio on a unicycle. I still floated but something was weighing me down. I had to struggle to stay afloat. Suddenly the complacent water roiled, it seemed to have sinister intent.

I rushed to the shore swimming hands scooping and legs scissoring as hard as they could. I fell on the sand panting for air. After awhile I opened my eyes, got up, and sat cross legged on the sand, looking back.

Everything was the same as before, the water as smooth as the skin on the curve of her neck. The warm wind softly touched the hair on my chest and warmed me. I moved closer to the water and saw my reflection. I thought I was safe. But was I?