Swimming
by Telephoneman (composed April 15th, 2006)


Walked to sea and waded in, waves pounding as I entered, surf knocking me down as I dove underneath the current
Started to paddle, and the current rose, but my strength convinced me to continue onward
For there on the far shore was a new life, a life so full it is beyond my scope of imagination
I need to be there, not just for my sake, but for the sake of the life I will find
Because not only will that life bless me, but I will bless it, and together, the two bless each other

So I decided to swim, one arm over the next, breathing as I was trained to breath, kicking my feet
Propelling myself toward the other shore with a distinct motivation, hoping to find a better life
A full life, a life that has meaning, purpose, a sense of belonging, a possibility to develop
And as I swam, it was not easy to get there, waves swelled and relaxed, birds flew overhead asking why I would swim
Creatures underneath wondering if I would make it, and ready to devour me if I did not

I even saw a ship, the usual ship that carries everybody else to the other shore, but I did not buy a ticket on that ship
Instead I made my own way, and I decided to swim, because that was my way, and it was what worked best for me
I wouldn't be comfortable on a ship, instead I would probably jump off and want to swim anyways, because that's me
And all I would need for faith is a simple word from the shore, maybe a twinkle of hope from the lighthouse
Because the sea is a deadly thing, hoping it could kill me, but I will gain victory over the sea and all it's ways

I have to swim, I have to keep moving because on the far shore I see my love, she's stand there and I can see her there
As she looked out, she saw me swimming, and noticed that if I were not careful that I would drown
And she was concerned for me, and did feel for me, as she saw the struggle, but knew I had to do it for myself
There is no other way, and it is I that needs to swim, not her.. so I jumped in the surf and began to paddle out
I may get weary as I near the shore, but my peace is in knowing that she definitely wants me to come

It is what draws me to her, and as I look up through the salt water in my eyes, I strain to see if she is still there
Still standing, still hoping, still being what I knew her to be... awaiting her love as well, holding me fast in her heart
Whatever waves rise, whatever the sea throws at me, I must continue on, until she is in my arms
Until she is there in front of me, and I in front of her, then the words that we speak will be clear
Words and non-verbal communications, and all of the things available to perception when two people meet

It may become frustrating, but I must paddle on... I see a worth to this beyond any pain in my muscles
I may become exhausted even, but it is worth it all, I may tire and need to stop and tread water in order to rest
But then keep continuing until my feet touch bottom on the other shore, far away, far from my home, but close to her
Leaving all that I have behind, and taking a chance that a much better life would be found over there
Hoping to find warmth in her words, and truth in her eyes, to find warmth in her touch, and truth in her kiss

I want this life, yes I do, I want it with everything that is within me, and I would become cross if I saw it was threatened
A whale or a shark might rise up from the sea as I swim and become my enemy, and I may have to battle them
I would, and I have every ability, but I would need my love to know that it would take some energy to do that battle
And I would win, because I have the Creator on my side, and he is in my feet as I kick, and in my arms as I paddle
I am moving across the sea, one stroke at a time, and don't be surprised if I have to struggle some to get there

Just keep your hope strong, my love, and my lover you shall win, with me, in me, for me, breath all that I am
Send myself to you, as I am, not a perfect man, but a good man, not a prefect swimmer, but a swimmer
Determined to join you, to envelope your life to mine, and not willing to let it escape into the depths
Because it is a beautiful thing, and can be created to be such a glorious, inviting thing, I cannot stop swimming
Whatever moves me, whether it is passion, or hope, or faith, or just knowledge that I swim toward some goodness

Once I am there, I may need to rest, but I will recover quickly, then we shall see and experience what we have dreamed
We can smile, and see each other smile, we can touch, and see each other touch, and we can live and see life
For me, there is no turning back, I would not turn back, nor will I turn back, I am committed to the swim
From within myself comes the strength to swim, and the will to swim, and from training, comes the ability to swim
It is not something I thought I would need to do, but it is necessary to life that I do do this thing

So be patient, my love, and watch for me as I swim; I may pause some, and struggle a little, but I am coming
Hand over hand, kicking my feet, it propels me toward who you are, toward what I dream I will find
There are few that find what it is possible for us to find, and if I must come to that shore to find it I will
Because in my mind, I know who I am, and I know that in my heart I am a successful swimmer
I will make it, but sometimes I may need to hear you calling my name.....

Like a person watching as a man endeavor a quest, or attempt some feat of mankind
Call to me, never let me feel empty or unsure, use your voice from the beach to call my name
It may be hard to hear you sometimes, because the ocean will roar, send up spray, and try to prevent communications
But just continue to try, just believe that you have reached out with your voice, and that I have heard you
And in hearing your voice, the strength will come back to me, even if I am exhausted and faltering, it will return

And then, triumphant, I will scoop you into my arms, I will hold you unto my breast and feel your warmth
There will be nothing separating us at that moment, not even an inch of space, not even a millimeter of light
Two people, longing one for the other, let no thing or creature try to get between, let them touch, let them be
For as they be, and touch, and interact, life will glow around them, and the world around them will benefit
Because it will be two of Creation's finest, meeting each other, touching each other's lives, holding, pressing, interacting

And with that combination will come life, it will flow out from them and into the world around, to be seen, heard, felt, touched
What heaven can be found in such a thing as this? It does need to be explored, I must swim to this point
Because there are places the two of us have never been to before, that when combined in each others presence is the only
place it will be found
Whether it is in their touch, or in their passion, or in their words, or in their motives, it will be a beautiful thing
And when they rest, together they shall sleep soundly, peacefully, knowing they have another by their side that is just as
convinced as they

So swimming is good, and I am swimming right now, I am coming her way, and she is calling to me
We are both anxious, so many thoughts, so much anticipation, so much to be gained
For a release is eminent, a culmination of possibilities is before us both, and soon I will reach the shore
Then come to me, my love, don't be shy, come into my arms and let us fly to that place and live
It is my passion to want this, and I see it in you as well, take my hand, I will be who you need, I will have all you want

Just by swimming I'll arrive, just a little more time and I'll cross the sea
Then no more waves, no more barriers, no more fears, no more misunderstandings
Just the reality of the two of us being together, climbing into each other, and seeing what we can find
On the shore, over there where you are, I will come, and I am swimming now
Prepare your heart for me, and I will prepare mine, let us join them when we meet, and enjoy them as we do

Then we shall find life, just you and I... and if the world passes by, we might not even notice...
But it all started when I noticed you, and you noticed me, and I decided to swim over to where you are
I might need a towel to dry off when I get there, and to stand in the sun as I take all of you in at that moment
But I am a man, and a good man, and for most things I can take care of myself
And as I swim, and as I dream of being there with you, I close my eyes and picture how I would take care of you

This is and would be my greatest pleasure, to see you smile

So I jump in... and I swim....