RUQ

Rise Up Queens felt like we were all swimming in open ocean.  The women splash and flail and panic, screaming and swallowing salt water.  The RUQ lifeboat pulls up.  Jump on! they shout, We will save you!  The women clamour clumsily.  Some of their heads disappear under the choppy waves, and then reappear, gasping for air and spitting sea water.  The RUQ boat comes around and hauls each woman aboard, soaking wet and choking on salt water.  Sarah, they holler from the bobbing life boat, Come!  You’re drowning!  But I am not.  I’ve learned to swim.  My breast stroke cuts through the cool ocean water with deft precision.  I flip over to peacefully float on my back, enjoying the deep blue water and the bright, warm sun on my face.  Sarah!  You must come quick!  You are in denial!  You will die!  I paddle over, serene smile on my face, to see what all the screaming is about.  The women huddle onboard the boat wiping salt out of their eyes and consoling one another.  Sarah!  Let your walls down!  You must be open!  You need this!  I am confused.  I look around.  The water is cool and refreshing, and the waves bob my body about in a delightful way.  My strong legs kick to keep me afloat.  If I get tired, I can swim to the warm sandy shore for a fruity drink with a flower garnish stuck in the side.  They are all screaming.  They are desperate.  Sarah!  You don’t understand!  You’re putting up walls!  You’re not being honest with yourself!  I turn to paddle leisurely to the shore where I warm myself in the afternoon sun.  They cling to each other in that tiny, bobbing boat, and spend a cold night in the open water.