in the dim w~a~t~e~r,
she learns his currents before they even move—
a creature built to understand what she can’t afford.
she g〜l❈o❈w〜s near him,
a soft lantern in the silt, never rising,
because surfacing would mean losing her breath.
and so she s︳t︳a︳y︳s—
half-myth, half-light, breathing beside
the world without belonging to it.
About the Creator
Komal
I write poems and stories that hit the feels.
When I’m not lost in my own plots, I’m either daydreaming about the next big idea or just winging life with a grin.
𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕀𝕄ℙ𝔸ℂ𝕋
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (13)
"Surfacing would mean losing her breath"... 🥺 I’ve definitely felt like that half-myth creature before, just watching the world go by. Such a beautiful little poem! ❤️
“Breathing beside the world without belonging to it” hauntingly beautiful, Komal. 🌊✨
Your use of stretched, stylized typography becomes part of the meaning. The elongation mirrors the suspension of breath and time, giving the poem a slow pulse that deepens its atmosphere.
This is soothing and calming
I like the feeling of waiting, anticipation, and then being frozen in place
OOOoooo So dark and slinky. Like slipping on a black dress and drowning in it.👏👏🖤𓆈
The image absolutely kills it. And great lines to go with it amazing @Komal
Your last three lines are captivating! I love seeing her through your eyes
I love your imagery here! I felt like I was drifting along with her.
This is very moving… The tension felt in it is very strong.
“breathing beside the world without belonging to it“ Damn. This line alone can be used to describe so many things and feelings. Love it!
Beautiful rendering of a mysterious and other-worldly existence coming with a cost. Axlotls are intriguing creatures of both worlds, water and air. ❤️
This is so beautiful and thought-provoking! And layered with many emotions :)