Out of my depth and floundering
you tried to teach me how to swim;
I learned enough to keep afloat
and then you pulled me in.

Secure on land I found my feet
and gladly fell in step with you;
we marched together down the years
and hid the sea from view.

With time we built a barrier
proof against any threatening storm
and in its lee we passed our lives
peaceful, dry and warm.

But then you died and suddenly
our guarding sea-wall cracked apart;
it cannot keep the ocean out
and I'm back at my start.

But this time's different from before -
no teacher tries to help me swim;
no longer caring if I drown
I watch the sea sweep in.