If I were taller, I’d wade

Water lapping at my knees, I’d be

At peace, unafraid

That I might wander in too deep

But here I am, so close to land

And I’m drowning in the shallow water

If I were curious, I’d roam

Stirring ripples with my strides, I’d go

Searching for a home

Looking out across the tides

But I’m looking down at my reflection

And it’s drowning in the shallow water

If I were stronger, I’d swim

And flounder though I might, they’d say

I put the effort in

At least I went out with a fight

But there’s no honor to be found

Drowning in the shallow water

If I were patient, I’d stop

Close my eyes

Count my breaths

And see

For everything I’m not

There’s still unfathomable depth

And my lungs keep pumping air

Out here beyond the shallow water

**I actually wrote all but the last verse of this poem several years ago, and never finished it because it was, uhh… too bleak. I was happy this prompt (and a few years’ perspective) gave me a chance to bring it out of the nose dive at least a little bit.