Drowning

The water swirled all around me.
My breaths were few and my choking was constant.
My head was pulled under the water and my panic grew.
The universe seemed to consist of only water.
This seemed to be the world I was confined to.
The waves lessened long enough for my head to reach the surface.
I coughed and tried to take in a breath.
But before my lungs could be filled, the water took me again.
I kicked furiously until I was above water.
I got one gulp of air and one glimpse of the lifeguard.
He saw me struggling and he only stared with uncaring eyes.
I was pulled under again.

When I awoke I was on shore.
I only had vague memories of swimming there.
And I filled my lungs with air.
How precious air was.
How wonderful.
More gentle than the churning waters of black.