Treading Water Poem by H E Alexander

My limbs ache, I am tired. I could try to swim,
but in which direction; where do I go from here?
I keep my head above water, but only just above,
assisted by my shirt swelled with pockets of air.
Every now and then, I sink beneath the surface
of the cold, cold brine; it's black, so black I cannot see.
I come up to breathe, the warm sun beats down
and for a while I feel I can cope with this harsh, heartless sea.

The waves persist to thrash and I struggle to stay afloat;
they strike me now from every side. I cry aloud, but there is no sound.
Why should I fight it? I'm too tired for this battle;
I could just allow the waves wash over me and take me down.
You could swim out to me and wrest me from this wretchedness,
but I would only weigh you down; I don't want your help. I have no fear.
I start to sink again, this time I am sapped of strength.
I'm powerless to stop my descent, now death seems so near.