even in the dawn, 

dark abyss, 

nothing’s unsettling.

the gentle rocking 

seamlessly fades to grey 

tufts lining the horizon

.

the water is a still window,

cuddling up to the outline 

of my hands,

palms-down  

& kissing the surface 

.

i’m the last one in,

inducing slight panic

but finally at peace

because everything 

has quieted to a murmur

.

& i’m not the best 

at responding when

there is nothing to think about

or feel

or remember

when you’re just floating

(8/28/24)