from the depths below

poem without the use of the letter [omitted]

words by Hannah Shen

listen to my voice, now—

the lingering whispers from the depths.

dive within me, now,

with your mouth open, lungfuls of bubbles

rising to meet the rippling sky.

once, here, your kin dwelled;

but, now, I engulf you whole.

witness the life residing below, intertwined in the kelp,

mirroring the currents guiding you.

in your journey of discovery,

try to stop, right now, in this moment.

experience the lilting of the surf tugging down the shore;

pick up some of the shells deposited by receding tides,

briefly ponder over their origins.

in the inversion of your time, just this once,

go with the undertow to see where it brings you next.