Standing steadfast,

ankles chained to the ocean floor.

Unwavering against the crashing waves,

barely surviving.

But the water rises with the tide,

the waves continue to grow.

Her strength begins to falter

and her will and legs give way.

Struggling for air with the height of each wave,

until they inundate her with

only moments between to catch her breath.

Unable to release the bonds,

unable to rise above the waves.

Overwhelmed,

An ice cold tear escapes

and rolls down her face

as the ocean swallows her

drowning her in the undertow.