I Am A Swimmer

Stars shimmer in the predawn night

A mountain lake awaits, her cool waters beckoning

I quickly shed all my clothes

Feeling the chill of the air

But I don't shiver - I'm ready to dive in, to surrender to her

Dawn's early gray peaks at the horizon

I plunge into her cold embrace

The rush of the water invigorates me

A shallow dive, my wet cheeks greeting the morning air

Stars begin to fade

I start my stroke

Muscles warming, I kick like a spring frog

Water ebbs and flows through my body

Like a Bach Adagio, slow and serene

I brush my hip with my hand on each stroke

I feel wet skin

My skin

No suit

Pinks and purples, a sonnet of color, grace the sky

I roll over on my back, chest above the water

Cool breeze whispers over my breasts

Water caressing my skin

Aware of this fleeting moment

This glorious sunrise never to be seen again

Morning sun chases away dawn's colors

I quicken my pace, feeling my shoulders ache

Mind starts to wander, blocking the pain

What if everyone could experience this swim?

Becoming one with nature

Comfortable living in their skin

No hate, no depression

Morning has arrived

As I reach the shore, legs wobbly and head spinning

I stand looking at the sky, feeling grateful to be alive

Memories of this swim, a treasure to cherish

I smile -I am a swimmer