Captain’s Mate

I open my eyes and am terrified by what I see.
I am trapped and don’t know where I am supposed to be.
This is a nightmare, this is happening.
It chokes me, my heart is blackening.

I have been captured, kidnapped.
Head held underwater, collapsed.
It smiles at me, it knows it has won.
Gasped my last breath, its work here is done.

It had me for years and I did not fight.
I let it take me over, convinced myself it’s right.

It let go today, I watched the water drain.
Fresh air envelops me, I release the pain.
My fire sparks, I am reunited with reality.
I poured the rest of the rum in the black sea.

I open my eyes and am blessed with what I see.
I am free, where I should be.
This is a clear blue sky, this is what I’ve been missing.
It is a new day. This is living.

I open my eyes and am terrified