Bonus round…

The first sensation: cold
cold all around
penetrating through my mouth
into my chest

The second sensation: gagging
water going down
being pushed back up
convulsing

The third sensation: burning
my eyes
my throat
my lungs

The fourth sensation: thirst
anything
anything at all
to wash away the taste
of salt

The fifth sensation: dimming
sinking into a thick darkness
light above fading
into immovable distance

Light-headed
dizzy

Then it stops

I take a deep breath

I can see—
bright
blue-green
beautiful

No burning—
relief

Sweet
sweet
saltwater

I no longer need
to fight the water

I am now one with it

Under water
through water
on water—

I can go anywhere

No borders
no passports
no impenetrable barriers
erected by men

I am a cell
travelling by osmosis
and evaporation

My only thirst
is for more
of whatever this is

(12 July 2018)