he comes to my rescue;
pulling me free
from the icy grasp of merciless waves.
holding me tight,
in strong arms that are so gentle -
full of compassion.

can i breathe?
can i feel the warmth of the sand beneath me?
...do i want to?

he breathes life back into me
as his lips touch mine.
images blur in my mind.
tears sting my eyes as
i try to open them,
to see him
kneeling beside me, looking down -
eyes so intense,
promising refuge.

i reach up to touch his cheek -
once flush with fear.
his lips curve in a soft smile.
a glimmer of relief dances in his eyes.
words try to escape, but
he touches my lips for silence -
words have no place here.