Cold Swim

There are those who run and leap into the water with shouted joy. And there are those, like me, who take it one millimetre at a time …

COLD SWIM

inching step by step                              
I feel my way
from one pebble to the next
hoping for sand
at each tentative toe-down

cold edges past ankles, calves
and knees, I stretch tall
anticipating the moment
when my groin freezes
and stomach chills

then I will stand
flurry the water
with hands full of intent
watch a child in the shallows
sunlight on waves
a canoe far out

I procrastinate
warmth on my shoulders
but the moment comes
when I prayer hands
dive in
swim hard

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first published in 7 Beats Here and Now

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The Willow Tree Girl “… perfect for children in the 7-11-year-old bracket who love to read. …The characters are life-like and the plot intriguing …” Elizabeth Symon. Find it at Smashwords