She was terrified
he spoke quietly
holding her hand
noting a small inscription
fading black ink
on the inside of her wrist
just the two letters,

sd

a reminder that fears
can be vanquished
requiring patience
requiring heartfelt desire
to pass through or
to travel beyond
this personal nightmare

still, he felt her trembling
tears welling, biting her lower lip
trying & failing to achieve
a brave heart

for she certainly believed
the deep end was too vast
dipped a toe in clear, still, blue water
feeling herself already, drowning
resolve dissipating
despite her whole-hearted desire
to love & to be loved by him