Once upon a time
I thought the world would always provide
supplies were endless
money grew on trees
that living was all about fun.
I could achieve anything I set my heart to
and fate was on my side.

I still remember that feeling of being
unshakable
invincible
a magnet for everything good.
I could make the sun shine through the rain
and the smiles I sent out
came back a thousandfold.

BUT

That happiness was
not what I had earned
It was given to me
for a short while.
Call it a credit
that has to be paid back
with high interest
to a greedy bank.

Today,
as I stand above the ruins of what was
I ask myself why
I didn't save some of that
happiness
confidence
the easiness of being.
Why I didn't save some of that sunshine
for a rainy day.

I should have learned to swim
while the sea was calm
and fates were kind.
Now I threaten to drown because
the selfish child of old days
is missing Lady Luck's safe boat.

I look up
at the wave building up ahead
swallowing the sky.
It doesn't care for my anger
not for my fears
not for my despair
not for my excuses.
And I hear it whisper:
Learn to swim
or drown.