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Submerged
by Lola Ridge

I have known
only my own shallows—
safe, plumbed places,
where I was wont
to preen myself.
But for the abyss
I wanted a plank beneath
and horizons...
I was afraid of the silence
and the slipping toe-hold...
Oh, could I now dive
into the unexplored deeps of me—
delve and bring up and give
all that is submerged,
encased, unfolded,
that is yet the best.

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