Companion Poems

The Drowner

-Shamae Budd, Fall 2010

“Oh, help me. I am drowning

In the sea of ‘this’ and ‘that’

Which is always flowing t’ward me

Over, under, and around.

Oh, help me. I am sinking

With this weight around my neck.

Every day it pulls me farther

From the air and from my breath.

Oh, help me. I am failing.

I can’t tread here anymore.

If something doesn’t happen soon

My strength will be no more.

I must give in.

I must get out.

But there’s no ship in view…

Forgive me if my fight gives way.

I want to float, I do.”

The Rescuer

-Shamae Budd, Winter 2011

“I’ll help you, when you’re drowning,

If you only trust my arm

Which has saved a thousand drowners

From the ocean’s frightful harm.

I’ll help you, when you’re sinking,

When you fear you cannot swim.

Your best is all that you can give,

Keep fighting, don’t give in.

I’ll help you, when you’re failing.

I’ll reach in and pull you out.

Only wait a little longer…

Never fear, though you’re in doubt.

You must hold on.

You must hold out.

There is a ship in view…

I’ll keep you floating through the night,

And you will make it through.”