Flying with Myliobatoidei
When my life became a tragedy,
I lost my ability to fly.
Reality has grounded me permanently.
I know I will never fly again
as surely as I know
darkness comes every night.
On the worst days,
I can’t stay firmly on land
because floods come to overwhelm me.
Panic keeps me frozen
as I watch the water level rise--
ankles, knees, waist, shoulders, nose, and higher still.
I close my eyes
as if not being seen
will convince the flood to dissipate.
Then, one day, I open my eyes.
And I realize
the water isn't trying to drown me,
the currents are calm,
I can still breathe.
A fever of stingrays
glide around me,
comforting me with their presence.
Some are big as building roofs;
others are small as birds.
One bird-sized ray circles me,
and stops close to my hand.
Tentatively, I reach out
to touch his wings,
soothed by his slick skin and calm trust.
I may not fly anymore,
but I have learned to swim
alongside my silky friend
anytime being overwhelmed floods my world.
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