A vice squeezes at the air in my chest. Above there is a light, but it’s a blur. Water bubbles escape my nose, marking a trail toward brightness. The salty water burns at open eyes, and I strain to see the other bodies float past and pierce the water’s skin. I’m not moving. I grab handfuls of water but I’m still here, the same spot as a minute ago. I look down and see only darkness rising toward me. A darkness of many hands and unknown faces pull at my feet. One last bubble flees before they pull me home.

—

unknown beauty not

easily persuaded of

alluring presence

—