Waving Not Drowning
© 2001, Kate Mesmer & D. A. Shea

When I was a child
You took me to the sea
And warned me not to wander
Too far from the beach
But I had “heard the mermaids
Singing each to each”
And when you called me back to shore
I was beyond your reach

You were so afraid
That I'd be lost at sea
And drowning not waving
So you tried to rescue me
I've been out here a lifetime
Why don't you understand
I'm waving not drowning
Come take my hand

Chorus:
I'm waving not drowning
Here beneath the sky
You don't need to walk on water
Just swim against the tide
I'm waving not drowning
The mermaids' song is clear
But you seem so far away
When I look back from here

All the time I waited waving from the sea
And all the time I waited
Hoping you would swim to me
Now I know the currents that can pull us apart
All I ever wanted was a lifeline to your heart

Chorus