Surfacing

I use a lot of water metaphors, and that must be the Geechee in me.

I also do it because it often fits.

The abrupt end of my last relationship felt very much like being caught in a sudden tempest and tossed from the familiarity of my boat into a vast ocean of confusion and uncertainty.

I didn’t drown, but I spent a year and a half treading water, and I slipped beneath the waves more than a few times.

When my arms finally grew heavy and tired, I knew something had to give. I couldn’t stop, but I couldn’t stay in a holding pattern, either.

So, I split the difference and let go.

Like Mother Toni Morrison said, I gave up all the shit that held me down.

And I didn’t sink.

Nah.

I remembered I could float.