"Shallow" (a poem I wrote)

Here's a poem I wrote, entitled "Shallow," which can be found on pages 34-35 of my book, "Seasons Come, People Grow: A Poetic Journey" (2006).

Everything's very surface,
Very easy from here,
I can stand and not worry,
Not have to think or fear,

I can look and see everything,
Not have to move a muscle,
If I go out any further,
That could mean a world of trouble,

I slowly walk out,
More difficult with each step I take,
I'm now in over my head,
Did I make a critical mistake?

This is too deep for me,
What was I even thinking?
I can no longer see,
The sharks could be after me,

It's hurting my eyes when I open them,
Why does it have to sting?
I hate having to close my eyes,
Everything is fake and imaginary,

I need to walk back to the shallow end,
This is just too much for me,
Life is easier this way,
When you're not having to think.