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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Saltwater Baptism”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
I gave the sea your memory— it stung then set me free. No priest, no prayer, just waves that dared to love me back without a name, to wash my wounds but not my shame.
Lyrics
I walked into the sea Still wearing your name The tide pulled hard But I stayed the same Salt on my skin Like holy wine Washing off What once was mine I wasn’t drowning I was choosing To be someone That grief stopped using Saltwater baptism Carried me home Turned the ache To flesh and bone No preacher spoke No angels sang But the sea forgave What left me stained Saltwater baptism Made me clean Not pure, But finally seen I gave the sea All your goodbye And let it sting Until I cried But tears and waves Are kin, you see— They both know How to set me free I wasn’t lost I was returning To the fire That kept me burning Saltwater baptism Carried me home Turned the ache To flesh and bone No preacher spoke No angels sang But the sea forgave What left me stained Saltwater baptism Made me clean Not pure, But finally seen Forgiveness Tastes like brine Saltwater baptism Not a prayer But a choice To still be there I buried you In every wave And rose again From what you gave Saltwater baptism Took the pain And made it rain
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