The ground crackles like trees in the wind. 

The trees in the wind sway like waves.

The waves in the ocean ricochet off the rocks,

Like my thoughts wearing away at my brain.

 

Persistent waves, “Can’t you tell I am nothing?”

Barely a dent in the earth,

Barely withstanding the crashing waves of grief.

 

My shape always shifting,

Deeper in the dark,

Water nearly flooding,

Pain.

 

Rolling with the punches,

And rolling and rolling over.

When can I punch back?

 

Waiting for strength that never comes

Summoning courage that doesn’t exist,

Siphoning happiness from absent friends.

 

Slowing churning, turning the tides,

Starting to rise,

Tiredness dies,

Fighting for life.

 

Affirmations crackle like the desert ground,

Like the forest sounds

Swaying to calmer winds,

Undulating with soother waves.

Peace.

 

Stretching, breathing, 

Seeing, feeling

That I’ve become something

Grand.

 

Hardship shapes the path I take,

Digging in and unearthing gold.

Polishing me like waves on rocks,

Carving a canyon into my soul.