I would have reached out for him,

But my strength had failed;

“I can’t keep swimming.”

I watched the surface grow dim.

I felt my breath run short.

“I think I’m dying.”

When I reached the ocean floor,

I couldn’t feel a thing.

“Where is the captain?”

I dwelt on my own failure.

I was inadequate.

“I think he got lost.”

If only I were stronger.

I could have stayed afloat.

“He didn’t see me.”

I wondered what he was like.

Brave. Mighty. Powerful.

“Can he even swim?”

My doubts soon displaced my hopes.

To think he would chase me.

“I’m not worth that risk.”

Why would he leave his own ship?

I’m only one person.

“I’m replaceable.”

The hand that grabbed me was strong.

The surface soon drew near.

“Who can swim like this?”

Out of darkness, into light.

He radiated warmth.

“Are you the captain?”

He turned toward his mighty ship.

She was called Universe.

“You dove after me.”

My thoughts raced as we boarded.

I should have drowned that day.

“I don’t belong here.”

Minutes before, I was trapped.

Too weak to even breathe.

“Why did you save me?”

The captain finally spoke.

His words were love itself.

“Welcome home, my son.”