Swimming

Sky tinged blue and pink, clouds drifting high
Like a cheery pre-school.
Walking under the nine o’clock cotton candy sky,
I journey to the pool.

So safe in the water’s arms,
Techno music playing like the sound of an alarm,
Water caresses my feet like silk,
Tonight the dolphin is of my ilk.

Humans so fish-like when they swim,
Power and finesse, bodies smooth and slim,
Quick graceful flips as they turn around for another lap,
I long for the slippery speed of the swimming caps.

I would be so naked on land,
My fat thighs like a black brand,
But in the water I am beautiful,
Even the most vigorous stroke strangely blissful.

Ten o’clock as the empty complex prepares to sleep for the night,
Ten o’clock and fast food chains, cars, street lamps, cell phones provide the light.
I have much longer to go
Before I rest my head upon the pillow.

Inhaling the sweet smell of chlorine
As I pass by the pool like a patient full of codeine.
Body so empty, purged of excess weight,
Mind wondering whether it can still stay up late.

Body so limp and useless after swimming,
Eyes blurring, hair wet and ears ringing.
The sky is dark blue like water twenty feet below the ocean surface,
Blue half-obscured by black clouds and for once I am not nervous.

Tonight life is a dream.
I am covered with a shield, a stream
Of water, faintness and fatigue.
Tonight I am infallible, full of intrigue.