I'm swimming in the lake -
miles from one and all,
feeling peace and calm - when
the monster comes to call.
What could drag me under?
I'll never, ever know.
Some will always wonder
what caused the undertow.
The lake is surface calm,
and should be at its depths,
but in its muck lie bones
of those pulled under breath.
Some will swim tomorrow,
and in the days to come.
Most will come and go,
and just feel blissful numb.
Welcome to the undertow!
There’re eight ways to freedom,
but only one that you can go.
It’s down, down — while spinning ’round,
feeling the stretch in the struggle,
though hearing not the slightest sound.
No gasping. No gushing. Just blood rushing
to the fear center of the brain
as water’s weight feels more crushing.
Surely, you’ll surface in due time
though, maybe, miles-and-miles away.
They’ll tag you: “Victim, sans a crime,”
and go on about the live-long day.
Tiger Riding for Beginners 