independence day

she waited on the plinth for the guns to sound
and her feet were ready for the plunge.
the one thing that held her back was
an awareness of the barnacles that clung to her every side
and would slow her down.
fear gripped her that they would pull her under
and she would be lost to their weight.
these chattels had a power over her
and yet she retained mastery.
the word "Mark!" was shouted
and she regained her footing
placing one leg in front
with readiness for complete immersion.
as the pistol shot echoed
the heaviness of the barnacles seized her back
though only for a moment,
and she pushed forward in hopes of autonomy.
time and space ceased to exist just an instant
before the water had been broken.
the sharp, bold, frigid water took her breath away
as its long, fluid, wiry fingers
stung her "barnaclized" body.
she pressed onward
not with the grace and elegance of a dolphin
or a mermaid
but with the determination of a sinking ship.
hopeful though weak of heart
her clumsy glide did not deter her from
maintaining a firm resolve to swim
and finish well.
the barnacles began squeezing tighter
and attempting to muster command of this doubtful vessel.
one by one they stepped up and marshaled together
to form a cowardly mutiny.
several ensnared her leg.
others commandeered her shoulders.
another arrested her breast.
still yet another captured her throat
and choked her breath.
the tenacious swimmer
wanted to give way to this aggressive coup
but chose to fight and struggle and defend her authority.
all seemed lost as she sunk down in complete submersion
and she groped for a buoy of hope or a cord of sanctity.
somewhere in the soul's storehouses a remembrance
of truths and mercies, graces and absolution
aroused strength and faithful resolution.
light pierced the dark depths of her fateful battle and
courage rallied as she reached for the unseen salvation.
and just then a barnacle fell off.
and another.
and another.
slowly they began all falling off.
the swimmer ascended and encouraged by the lighter load,
she sailed on with greater speed than she had ever known.
one by one the barnacles relinquished their hold
and freedom set the captive free.
she regained fortification and set off for the course ahead
this time with renewed bearings.

this water maiden can still be found breaking waves
or descending to underwater depths with
a fresh sense of emancipation.
occasionally she forgets the barnacles have been removed,
and her stroke becomes awkward and uneasy.
but for the most part
she swims now with powerful fluidity
and graceful tranquility.

© copyright micah holcombe 2007


(rough draft)

dedicated to carla and deborah for their steadfast friendship and for keeping me in the water.