May The Water Sweep Over You

What is fear? What does it feel like? In this poem I wrote, I dive deep into fear and come out the other side. Fear is a normal part of the human experience but if we let it take control of our lives it can stop us from living our lives and following our dreams. What if we allowed fear to be present with us and didn't let it take control?

Poem written, recorded, and edited by me, Suzy Jane
Background music: Stock Media provided by LindsjoMusic / Pond5

Transcript

May the water sweep over you.

What are you afraid of?

He asked her.

She was silent for a moment.

And then,

It was as if a fire was lit inside of her.

Her eyes became dark,

And she seemed to go somewhere else.

Fear,

She said.

Fear is not knowing what's around the corner.

Fear is the truth you don't want to see.

Fear is the part of you that never feels safe.

Fear is running from yourself.

Fear is not looking behind you.

Fear is what's standing in your way.

Fear is what lies beneath you.

Fear is what you avoid.

Fear is what you pretend isn't there.

Fear is lurking at every corner.

Fear is stealing breaths.

Fear is sleepless,

Panicked nights.

Fear is dark,

Empty days.

For fear feels like every part of you,

All-encompassing.

For fear never leaves you,

But you are always trying to get away.

Run.

Don't look back.

Run.

Maybe it won't catch you.

Run.

Maybe it isn't real.

Run.

Your life depends on it.

Run.

You aren't yet free.

Run.

It stops you in its tracks.

Run.

You cannot see.

Run.

You don't know where your breath went.

Run.

Run.

Who are you?

Run.

It isn't me.

She took a deep,

Long breath,

Stood up,

And shook around for a few minutes.

And then she began to cry.

He sat with her in silence and waited.

He felt the ripples of her cries cleansing her,

Resurrecting her body like the waves of a stormy sea.

Then,

With time,

She seemed to come back.

It was as if the tide was going down,

Descending,

Going back to sea.

The waves became much calmer and the water much more clear.

Eventually,

The sun came out,

And with it,

The sense of peace and ease.

He looked at her and she was smiling.

Trust what lies inside of you,

But don't let fear take the lead,

He said as he gently reached for her hand.

She smiled and they stood up and walked into the sea.

For the sea was part of them,

As it is with you and me.