He (she too) knows he is called strange
And beautiful in the same breath.

His (her) delight in life contagious

But then

Given time

And the right mix of elements

He (she does) crashes

And no words nor touch

Can reach him.

Blinded and numb.

He regresses.

He recoils.

(She turns within)

For no one can save him and he knows this.

They do not fathom the depths

Of despair.

(She knows)

He can hold his breath longer

For he knows at the surface

The darkness waits unbidden.

It always waits

Unbidden and unseen by others.

(They do not see it

They do not feel it)

And they lose patience

Going on their way

To fill their own void for they cannot hold their

breath any longer.

(She is still there)

And he resurfaces.

Returns from the untime

To be aware.

Skin tender, jaw tight

Legs jelly

And goes on.

Invites others from empty tables to join him.

Holds others when their arms are too full

And smiles

Because he is thankful they have not swam so

deep into the darkness as he.

(He sees remnants of shadows on her eyes)