the breathing is worth the work

To my 5-years-ago-self:

Thank you for your work,
the first good lungfuls are already worth it.
I know you remember this song in your struggles - it is now one of emerging -
keep going - there is sight of land - and we can almost stand again...



I'm not sure if you can hear me or not,
but thank you.
The drowning has seemed awfully easy at times.
Thank you from the future. You did well. We're going to make it.
briney, tangled in seaweed, and all...
Don't let up...