Swimming Lessons

when you’re treading in the water

    and the sharks are closing in

        and the distance to disaster’s

            just a hair-width from your chin ...

when the fishing in the wishing

    hauls an empty net of hope

        and excuses become nooses

            on your rescue line of rope ...

when the current rips you deeper

    than you’ve ever been before

        and your dreams seem just as distant

            as the safety of the shore ...

here’s the caution if a panic

    is your instinct to survive:

        a flailing desperation’s

            not the way to stay alive

terror is delicious

    when the monsters hunt for prey   

        so if your fear is in the water

            you’ll be served on the buffet

perspective is a lifeboat

    in the cold sea of despair

        and a tempest in a teacup

            is a storm you should beware

a tumbler is an ocean

    and the wise and final laugh

        is if you want to keep from drowning

            you just avoid the empty half