A Day in the Ocean

Photo by Thierry Meier on Unsplash

You told me once that you wouldn’t mind dying
at sea, so I took you to a place where the waves

gently lap like a warm dog tongue across your toes,
where the elements embrace. You, ocean lover,

tangled hopelessly in a web of self-loathing and
ardent world-loving; I can only hope to set you free.

Wading in waist deep, you fell back, playful smile dancing
on your lips, and breathed, “Finally. Thank God.”

You, my sardonic Ophelia, perfect picture of
solipsism, hair carelessly caressed by the ocean

as I stand watchful by. Even if you wanted them to,
I would not let the waves overcome you.