Undertow

This riptide doesn’t have a pull
No acceleration
For if you’re in the water
You’re in the thrall

If your salty surfboard
Grew up in these waves
You’re far out to sea
The shoreline way away

Calmly float in place
Peer around to see
Tread water not a race
Taking stock of landless fray

You’ll meet yourself by the end
If you survive the journey
Perpendicular to the flow
A simmering effort burning

The fellows at your side
Will float and fire your path
But your goggles and earplugs
Will coat and sire your calf

Your sidelong adventure does await
A sandy town you’ll meet
Sidestroke cross the fateful source
Unbound will be your beat