Steady Lungs--By Scott Thomas Outlar--United States

Steady Lungs

I am tempted when you test me

with these trials and tribulations

to succumb

beneath the turbulent waves

and wash away

to the depths of an ocean

that cannot be fathomed,

but I know that the goal

is in reach,

and so if I just keep

taking one more step

I will breach the surface

to breathe the beauty

of your divinity

and grace

into these lungs

that are ready

to seize

such a blissful taste.

(Originally appeared in Leaves of Ink)

Scott Thomas Outlar hosts the site 17Numa.wordpress.com where links to his published poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and books can be found. He recently received three Pushcart Prize nominations for his work in 2016. Scott serves as an editor for Walking Is Still Honest Press, The Blue Mountain Review, The Peregrine Muse, and Novelmasters.