Waves

By Julie Roberts

Waves of sadness keep crashing over me

Trying to pound me down to the ocean floor and rake me over the Coquina shells

My skin bleeds and the salt water, Like tears, burns in my open wounds. But no matter how many times the undertow pulls me down

I can look up through the clear blue water and see the sun

Shining

I know as the tide ebbs that I will emerge to the surface and swim to shore

Looking back at the ocean to reflect while remaining safe on the shore

Until the ocean calls to me again I am a Mermaid, I Dive In.

Honor of

Blue Butterflies for Freedom is a non-profit Suicide Prevention cooperative, founded by CaSea Hope in 2022 when a close friend took her own life. CaSea hopes to establish a safe space for those who have suicide on their mind.