Image credit: MJTH

Let me swim only in shallow waters
I am too old now
And too inexpert
To gather courage and descend
To greater depths

Let me wallow in the serenity
That is ambition
Finally beaten down and away
And take simple joy
In a little life, well lived

Let me enjoy a true release
From the complexity of youth
All those battles we wage
To define ourselves
To be ourselves
Till we realise
We already are

Let me float in shallow waters
Head held high
Buoyed by a gentle current
No longer beating back
Against the ceaseless waves
That care not for the whims
Of you and I
But will carry us further still
And with true clemency
If only we let go

(c) Helen Valentina 2015, All Rights Reserved