A poem about finding friendship, oneself, and God.

Over the years, I became accustomed to a lonely life inside my shell–
It had become my second-nature to retreat when all just felt unwell.
I felt dejected because like other creatures, I couldn’t run, climb or fly.
So much so, in challenging times, I didn’t even give it an honest try.  
Instead, I crawled back into the confines of my boxed, bosomed shell–
choosing to survive day by day, with not a single adventurous tale to tell.

One day in jaded June, I basked under the searing sun.
I drifted off for a moment, only to awake next to someone!
I peered timidly at the stranger, resting quietly beside me–
Her pleasant patterned carapace was quite the sight to see!
I wondered if she knew just how perfect and polished she seemed,
The sun’s radiant rays made her soft leathery skin glitter and gleam.

Her whimsical webbed-feet were unlike anything else I’d seen before.
I pondered silently to myself about what she might use them for.
Without a warning, she opened up her glassy, jewel-toned eyes.
She dove fearlessly into the opaque pond, much to my surprise!
My heart fluttered restlessly, as I feared for her safety below.
How could she simply jump in, without letting anyone else know?
What if she drowns dismally or gets stuck in murky mudflow?

I shook inside my shell, anxiously waiting for her emerald head to emerge
The water’s surface stayed silently still while my panic began to surge.
“Please, God,” I prayed passionately, “please let her be alright.”
“I’ve waited so long for any sign of Your eternal loving Light.”
The sun’s final rays danced daintily across the lulling lake,
in the midst of their beams–I finally saw a reflection I couldn’t mistake!

Her intricate shell appeared iridescent just below the serene surface;
She gracefully glided to the top, and took a deep breath in with purpose.
Following her lead, I remembered to finally let out my stifled exhale.
Sighing with relief, I watched in awe, as she fearlessly sailed.

She played peacefully in the welcoming water, confident and headstrong.
Oh, how desperately I, too, wished to find somewhere to belong.
It became clear to me that the wonderous water was unmistakably her home.  
I realized that the very shell offering me shelter had also left me feeling secluded & alone.

Feeling ashamed, yet again, I retracted back into my comfortable cage.
This time, however, its darkness left me brimming with rage.
My mind became a roaring arena full of angry, self-loathing talk.
Mindfulness slipped away, and her presence was something I forgot.

Suddenly, I felt a powerful push–followed by a startling splash!
I found myself in whirling waters, and began to helplessly thrash.
I saw her silhouette near the shore, crawling carefree as could be,
“Swim!”, she urged spiritedly, “You are a lot like me!”

ME?!” I thought, restlessly, “she must not be able to see.”
“Just focus on your breath”, she said “and you, too, will feel free”
“You’re wrong!”, I gasped between plunges, “I can’t do this at all!”
She reminded me so sweetly, “but, you’ve already survived the fall.”

I watched the wholesome water warmly wrap itself around me, like it was awaiting my return.
It enveloped me into its eager embrace; reminding me I was no unfamiliar extern.
The familiar fear I lived with everyday with felt frivolous once I could see–
–the dreary decades drifting away simply reflected my faithlessness in its steadfast security.

The comforting current cradled me, for the water had constantly carried me along.
Surrendering to its steady support helped me to feel that I was inherently strong.
I cried; I laughed—because I hadn’t felt much of anything in so long.
But most of all, in that moment, I finally felt what its like to truly belong.

The majestic creature dove back into the water, and helped me swim back to shore.
“Look!”, she declared, as we crawled out, pointing towards the lake’s alluring floor.
I turned around trying to find what it was she wanted me to look for.
Once I finally caught a glimpse of it, it was a sight too spellbinding to ignore.

I peered timidly into the water, marveling at a reflection I did not recognize.
I stared at its perfectly patterned-shell, and soft skin with awe and surprise.
“Wow”, I whispered, “It’s breathtaking–especially in the water’s blue hue.”
“Of course she is,” smiled the truthful turtle, “because that, my friend, is you.”

Love you always, all ways.