Sharks And Fear Poem by Nur Meiyati

We were walking along the riverbank
Then we arrived at the beach
It was so quiet
I will teach you how to scuba dive, he said
He liked to see me listening to him attentively

We will swim with sharks
Keep your distance and remain calm
Sharks smell fear
They will attack
Fear is the real killer
It destroys the soul

I closed my eyes
Breathing in the fresh ocean air
Slowly, deeply
Can I fight my fear, I asked myself
He gripped my hands
He nodded
No words
But his eyes told me
Don't be afraid
You can do it
I will be with you
He assured me
In my dream

(Magelang – Indonesia,23th September 2013)