Taking the Plunge

Dive in?
Tiptoeing seems the gentler way.
Sticking a toe in the water.
Inching in.
Excruciatingly.
Covered and complaining of the cold. 
But head first, plunging in, wastes no time.
Ice shocking lungs, breath bursting.
Down to dark depths, shedding all protection.
Naked and exposed.
Searching.
Until fingers brush sand, grasping.
Finding shadows, treasures, in the dark.
Struggling for air, sinking, surrendering.
Until suddenly the surface and light. 
Breath and sight.
The world revealed anew.