The same god

I’m scared of the ocean. Always have been.

And I’ve always pictured the phrase “falling in love” as the high dive.

I’ve always seen Aphrodite and Poseidon as the same god in this regard- 

Ruthless, enticing, and terrifying. Inevitable. Unattainable.

The moment on the cliff’s edge, sharp edges and earthquakes leading to unstable standing.

The water lined with shells and rough waves and rose petals below.

I never know if it’s butterflies or sharks in my stomach.

My eyes always lingered a bit too long on their statues, their symbolism-

My favorite things and greatest fears.

I’m scared every time my feet can’t reach the bottom- I still hold my breath and let myself sink.

It’s hard to jump when you’ve already drowned, when you know the water’s unpredictable.

But I find myself doing it. Constantly jumping off that ledge, letting my heart leap,

Whether it falls into Aphrodite’s hands or Poseidon’s-

The faith is worth it.

Being open to love is worth it.