Snorkling

Splash!

From the safety of the boat I jump.

Straight into the water’s embrace.

I swim over and see the beautiful fish 

flitting, flitting 

by. 

I reach out, my hand adorned with bright red nails,

to touch the fish.

But they 

swim, swim

away.

I sigh and look below me.

And see the coral.

It’s bright colors and many shapes.

The purple fan

waves, waves

at me.

I wave back and giggle to myself.

I glimpse a giant yellow brain.

And swim

down, down 

to get a closer look.

Then I take an accidental breath.

Chocking, choking 

on stinging salt water,

I flee back to the surface.

I ride the waves and hope.