Stress Like a Beach

You stand at the shore, toes tucked firmly in the sand.

The sea laps gently against your toes and you close your eyes,

Enjoying the feeling of having a purpose.

The water recedes and returns to push at your ankles.

The sand beneath you shifts the slightest bit.

In the time it takes to exhale and open your eyes,

The waves have reached your knees.

Just as quickly, the water rises to slap harshly against your hips, then stomach.

Your breath quickens as you lose all control.

Sand slides out from under you, washed out by the tide, and you slip.

And you fall.

Down, down into the deep, suffocating embrace of the ocean.

Your hands reach out, desperately grabbing at the last fading rays of sunlight.

But the Sun is gone, its last hopeful, golden glimmer snuffed out

By the darkening gloom of the sea.

And you are alone.