The Escape Route

By Natali Williams

Panting, racing the sea, she fought

To breathe.

Waves roared, furiously slapping

The jagged rocks.

Sea spray tangled her hair,

The soggy chocolate locks

Sticking to her face and

Slender neck.

Slowing , she bent down,

Folded her dress beneath her,

And made herself a seat on the

White crystals.

A watery sheen formed over

Her sapphire blue eyes.

“What have I done?”

One long sigh

Of desperation mixed with resentment

Sounded from her rosy lips.

Her graceful hands then grabbed

The dirt of the ocean,

Each pulsing of her hands

Reminiscent of the pain she felt within.

But I love you still, whispered a

Smooth, warm voice.

A fistful of the crystals were released,

Sinking further

Into the water’s deep

Within the refreshing waves.

One quick catch of her breath

Switched over to sobs.

Sand-covered hands were washed

With salty tears.