"Harmless"

The lake looks calm
peaceful
harmless
glittering in the sunset
It is tempting
I know exactly what I want
I want to swim
I test the water
It is cold
but I know I will get used to it
So without a second thought
I plunge right in
I can stand on the rocks
and the muddy ground
until I get in deeper
I can swim
but this lake
is foreign to me
The first time I go under
it is exhilarating
I sink into the murk once again
I cannot breathe
I can no longer swim
I am floundering at the mercy of the water
just like that
things changed
I underestimated the lake
and it spurned me
unseen fish nip at my ankles
as I gasp for air
A cold, slimy hand
grabs my leg
pulling me deeper
I am dying
I am dying