Unfamiliar Waters

In unfamiliar waters she treads lightly

Not understanding how she does not sink

Rigid back, afraid to move too much

Will the waves support her weight?

How has she not fallen through?

Looking down, she sees

A sight she had not seen before

For it had never before been

Where she had needed it to be

A small platform

Small but sturdy

In its strength she is amazed

And stops to take a closer look

It is not floating with the wayward breeze

But rather anchored to the bottomless sea

And this small platform starts to grow

It’s white and brown with specks of gold

From both its sides she catches sight

Two extensions growing outwards

Reaching toward the heavens first

In their eager stretch they seem to dance

Then settle there in happy repose

At such amazing sight

She still knows not just what to do

But to crouch down and feel the base

Feel that rough-looking base

Unexpectedly soft

It holds her safe

From ill-tempered weather

Its brand new arms taking shape

Stand guard against the hot hot rays

But still allow the sunshine

To illuminate and keep her warm

On that platform she sits still

Aware of every drawing breath

And every swaying motion

But feeling strangely comforted.

-Marisol Tena (8/15/10)