i.
the sky is metallic,
clouds melting in the golden haze.
I am floating
on the ocean's expectant belly.
the water is asleep
and I feel calm.

then:

lightning screams, 
a silent cry to sink again.
wind chills my mind,
taking it back to the depths
of the storm.

ii.
I am adrift;
no safety vessel is
holding me.
my fears swell up,
an embryo wave
crashing against my bones.

I want to swim
but I fall instead.
faster and
harder and
deeper I travel,
wishing for the sight
of shore.

none comes.

iii.
I am different now,
newer, a babe waiting
to rediscover 
how it feels 
to float.

embryo waves

Bluffton University professors Perry Bush, Rudi Kauffman, and Stanley Scott discuss the issues being presented to Ohio voters on the upcoming November 4 election. The primary source referred to here is BallotPedia.

Issue 1: http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Bipartisan_Redistricting_Commission_Amendment,_Issue_1_(2015)

Issue 2: http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Initiated_Monopolies_Amendment,_Issue_2_(2015)

Issue 3:
http://ballotpedia.org/Ohio_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative,_Issue_3_(2015)

Kerry Bush