Past the Shallows

Past the shallows now,
well and truly into deep water –
water that is charcoal cold.
I navigate these waters alone.
Children playing in the bay
race to collect the early morning treasure
gifted by tide,
left lying on sandy mounds.
In these shallows
the bays and cays are protected –
life is carefree and careless,
and sun sings her tuneful rays.
Too quickly the tide turns,
taking me out deeper each year -
deeper into whitewater waves
where treasures serve only to tease me.
Paths that were once clear
now seem distant, confused,
hurrying me deeper
as if in some urgency.
In this twilight break –
blackened waters swirl,
their soft-lipped touches
enticing me down.
Soon, too soon - like tidal waters
I’ll ebb and flow until
what I have to offer -
will not be enough.