Cold

there's something about the way
cold water grabs your chest
it squeezes until the air rushes out
in a huff in a gasp
and then it's gone
muscles refuse to cooperate
brain telling you to get out get out
because even though your head is
above water
you still can't breathe
lungs are dry but deflated
ribs hugging close to your heart
refusing to let go
to let you breathe
until you get out get out

Will you?