Old swim goggles

Foggy protection

of light and sight,

or chemicals that burn

tears, into leaky eye sockets.

The water blinds creatures

who walk on land, but

scratched shields still provide

protection nonetheless.

They are harshly used, then

tossed into the folds of towels and

corners of couches, scratched,

and left to dry.

Dirtied by unclean

sights and

feathered lashes

that drip toxic beads of liquid.

Hold your breath and

submerge into waves of

shimmering water, suddenly

blinded by evasive pockets of air.

For seconds I am lost and

perception is altered.

But still kept safe, by

foggy protection.