Trying out not rhyming
The ocean spans wide, full of rhythmic movement. Shallow parts are warmed by the sun, enjoyed by casual passerby. People wade in and laugh, they splash in the warm water. No salt in their eyes, they swim freely, happily. The depths are distant; far away. People on a lonely boat drift across smooth waters. Salt stings their eyes, the still air brings only some comfort. The sailors bob by on the rickety boat, knowing they may one day sink. Where no one sees; completely alone. The shallow parts are warm and social, loud and lovely. It pushes around the sand, forcing its way onto the land. Happiness and joy lies here. Out in the depths, the water is still. You only see a fisherman alone, he is too far out for you to see the struggle. The burns on his hands, the small catch of fish. The pain in his posture as he broods, the salt stinging the cuts; the burns. The rasp in his breath, loneliness dancing in his still and deep eyes. The shallow parts feel seen and loved, the depths feel distant. The depths have unseen, unexplored waters; Via treacherous dangers they allow no one to come here- perhaps it could be a strategically placed sandbar or a wave to push you away. These quiet people need solitude, but still they feel the pain of not knowing the warmth of being seen. They know they bring it upon themselves but alone in the ocean, one could never dream of floating themselves back to shore. The shallow parts feel taken advantage of, but still feel warmed by love. The social people welcome the noise, but in the quiet they are unprepared for deafening silence and still waters. They know they are sometimes a people pleaser, but hugging the land they aren’t quite able to explore the ocean deep. In dark nights, they change their tune. Shallow waters are still- feeling trodden on, unloved, unsure. In dark nights, the depths welcome the moon. Together they sing with peace, together they find joy. Without the depths the shallow parts wouldn’t have joy in the day, because no one would take the burden of whirlpool thoughts. Without what’s shallow, there wouldn’t be solitude: the thought-provoking place where thoughts and hope are born, and where we learn and grow. Without one, the other cannot be free. Without one, the other cannot have support- no one to make up for what you lack in cold, lonely nights or sorrowful days. The depths have power unseen; what’s shallow has joy in many things.
