Caught In A Rip Poem by Alessandra Liverani

You're only ten metres from shore
But it may as well be one hundred, or even more
The current you didn't know existed
Is taking you out with strength most twisted

You swim against it with all your might
It does nothing to save you from your plight
You're starting to panic and starting to tire
The shore is receding, you're in straits most dire

But if you swim sideways out of this rip
You'll give yourself a much more pleasant trip
Don't tackle this monster in a head on way
Sidle out sideways and you'll live another day

Addiction is a power I wouldn't lock horns with
It'd beat me every time, with just a tail whisk
So I'd go sideways, in crablike fashion
And finally my head, I'd be able to stop bashin'

(Sydney, Australia - 2003)