Breath
Breathe. In and out. In and out.
Breathing is automatic, right? And it's supposed to be easy, right? After all, there's a saying somewhere that has something about "easy as breathing."
There are other words and phrases too, like breathless or take your breath away. Which can be good or bad. A kiss can leave you breathless, but so can fear. A sudden realization of love can take your breath away, but so can the appearance of police officers at your front door, telling your family there's been an accident.
And there are others. Breath of wind on a hot day. Breath of life. But what about when they stop? You've seen both happen. Air suddenly still, or a friend suddenly completely motionless in a hospital bed. Stifling stillness. A heavy, crushing calm before a storm of thunder and rain or sobs and tears.
Breathe. In and out. In and out.
It doesn't seem so automatic or easy some days. Like today, as you hold your breath for a leap of faith off the high board.