I'm not really terrified of water.

[lunar-endeavor.livejournal.com]

Fear of Open Water
Cliff Ashcroft

I am terrified of water.
I cannot bear it. I mean the depth.
Even the clouds sit like coupled links of heavy chain.

Our unstable craft sways in the still harbour.
Will you take the rudder for me?
I can tell by the strength of your arm
what fortitude, what forthright line
you would maintain on our slow journey.

I feel in that swell the rocking of a ghastly cradle.

I have heard everything you say,
the glittering bay so fragile a curtain,
it will pass through my fingers.
You change the dread before sleep
into still shelter. I will not let you go.

I carry you into my bunk at night,
after this world of brutal strangers,
of empty activity and the passing hours.