I’ve never been afraid of the water. But perhaps after spending five years trying to calm the waves in my marriage I have been left with the slightest hesitation about diving back in. Divorce can feel like a Tsunami, like the calm before the storm. There is a sense of peace and strange tranquility and then the rush of emotion comes like a tidal wave engulfing everything in its path. And like the Tsunami, you know that wave is coming but it’s nearly impossible to get to a safe haven.
(image courtesy of Google)
The dating pool, although seemingly non-threatening compared to the violent storm waves, beckons and standing on the edge of that pool is just as daunting as watching that tide surge forward. The water may seem calm on the surface but the hidden dangers lie beneath that placid sheen and the potential for another storm gives me pause. The slightest touch of the surface causes ripples and pushes me back from the edge of the pool.
I watch as the ripples dissipate. The soft blue glow seems so inviting, but the dormant threat still lurks under the veil waiting to lure me closer to the edge, waiting to gently touch my skin and pull me under when I am blissfully unaware of the current below. I can’t swim, not now. Maybe sometime soon I will remember how wonderful it felt to float in that water, how comforting it was to be surrounded by its warmth and to feel buoyant. Maybe soon, but not now.
I’m sure the water is fine, but I don’t think I’m ready yet to hold my breath and jump. For now I’m content to sit on the edge of the pool and exhaust every argument in my head as to why I shouldn’t just take the plunge.
~
This was written for the Trifecta Challenge:
EXHAUST (transitive verb)
1a : to consume entirely : use up <exhausted our funds in a week>
b : to tire extremely or completely <exhausted by overwork>
c : to deprive of a valuable quality or constituent <exhaust a photographic developer>
2a : to draw off or let out completely
b : to empty by drawing off the contents; specifically : to create a vacuum in
3a : to consider or discuss (a subject) thoroughly or completely
- Your response must be between 33 and 333 words.
- You must use the 3rd definition of the given word in your post.
- The word itself needs to be included in your response.
- You may not use a variation of the word; it needs to be exactly as stated above.
- Only one entry per writer.
- Trifecta is open to everyone. Please join us.
polysyllabic profundities 
metaphor and memoir.
great entry!
Thank you. 🙂
I love your use of imagery in this.
Thank you!
What a great post for the challenge. “I watch as the ripples dissipate. The soft blue glow seems so inviting…” beautiful! 😀
Thank you!! 🙂
Nice job of extending the metaphor. I’d say you captured the anxiety perfectly. Good one!
Thank you!
great take on “exhaust”! i like how you compared divorce to a Tsunami 🙂
Thank you very much!
Being seven years out of my marriage I am still just tickling my toes in the water, only to pull them out and run back to the safety. Scarey stuff out there. I loved this piece 🙂 I’m not sure if it is courage or plain old fashioned stupidity that will be the deciding factor, ha ha.
Thank you….best of luck to both of us in that pool. 🙂
Wonderful descriptive words. I’ve been there. Take the plunge. The water isn’t as cold as you think!
Thanks….for the compliment and the encouragement.
Excellent extended metaphor. Nicely done!
Thank you!!
I love this piece. What a great comparison.
Thank you very much.
I like the images you’ve used here, and I can certainly relate to the sentiment! I think there’s something to be said for sitting on the edge until the pool starts seeming like fun.
At least I know the water will always be there when I’m ready to wade in.
Poly, I would just like to take this moment to say….I TOLD YOU SO!!!
Look at all those comments saying how great your writing is! Don’t ever doubt me!!! Hahahahaha.
Hahaha….all that knowledge hidden under that armor!!
Hidden? I proudly display it!
As you should….guess it’s hard to tell from this far away….haha.
Binoculars.
I think I have an old telescope around here somewhere.
There you go.
True words spoken, verily true words…
Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
I have been known to say that if I ever find myself divorced, I’ll probably just invest in a few more cats.
I have my dog….works for me. 🙂
Oh I love this extended metaphor! Brilliant! (:
“Here be monsters” and all that lol
Thank you!
Great metaphor and a really different take on the prompt.
Thanks.
Love the freudian slip of “veil” and later plunge taking that is contemplated. Good rendering of wounds being licked.
Thank you.
I heard the “Jaws” music in my head as I read this. I think it’s okay to sit on the edge until you’re confident you can navigate the water’s dangers.
Lol….that music never occurred to me, but it is very appropriate. I’ll wait until the fins are gone.
Sometimes decisions aren’t as big as we imagine.
I’m sure it’s not nearly as daunting as I think it is….but that pool looks HUGE right now.
Wow!Was totally immersed in this aqueous piece!What fantastic writing-loved it:-)
Wow…thank you very much!
:-)a pleasure
Lovely use of metaphor – and very apt too! Beautiful piece of writing. And a great take on the prompt!
Thank you…I appreciate that.