I jerk upward

The clock reads 3 am

I can taste the saltwater on my lips again

If you asked me to remember

I would smile

Tell you about his eyes

His ocean blue eyes

Some time ago,

My family visited the ocean

I had never seen it before

The long car ride spent gazing

At fragments of scenery

My mom warned me

Oceans have strong currents

Enough to sweep you

Far from shore

Clutching you

Pulling you under

It’s 3 am

I’m coughing up water

Wishing I listened

But those blue ocean eyes

Felt like home

He promised

He wouldn’t let me drift away

But I’m still full

Of the water

He left me to drown in


Megan Gow is a student from the class of 2021 studying English and English secondary education at University Park. When she isn’t writing, you can find her playing viola, drawing, reading or listening to music. Her writing focuses on telling stories from her own experiences and the experiences of others.