asphyxia.

My first memory was that of water.
I remember drowning, and my mom's
horrified screaming. I remember the
oxygen flowing from my mind, swiftly,
softly... escaping...

I remember whispers in the pool
as my body turned numb. I had a
sense of calmness, knowing I'll be
okay, but my heart kept running
far, far. It didn't stop to look
back even as I called for it.

I felt my body melt, and form into
balloons, guided by the wind. I had
no place to go, and freedom was
at the tips of my fingertips. I opened
my eyes and I was saved, even as
what seemed like gallons of water
was coughed up from my mouth.

I was relieved as fresh air was
pumped into me, sustaining my
life that was on the edge of being
gone. I didn't drown, but maybe
a part of me did.