Tidal Wave

sometimes it trickles in slow

like mud quietly dissolving into the water

from the edge of a river bank

and sometimes it comes on all at once

like a tidal wave,

a tsunami on unsuspecting tourists,

a horrific mass engulfing my entire realm,

sloshing around before it settles,

heavy and unmoving,

washing in front of my eyes,

blurring vision,

and when I can see again sometimes

the wreckage left behind

is too much for words

but always, always it has been

that I’ve continued to persist.

though scars accumulate,

my injuries heal,

always trying to grow wiser,

more determined,

yearning for days when the levies

will be strong enough to hold