Dive, Breath, Fly

Sprint sets. Flip turns. The Speedo 

Stickers on our caps,

We put power into that kick 

Gain speed. Nothing but a perfect 

Race rigorous rolling arms 

25 yards. In the pool

Our abilities progress

As if we could actually

Fly through the air like dragons.

The final stretch before the wall

Wait watch! 

Missed it by a mili. 

Missed it by a second.

Missed it by 30.

We’d jump 

Off & hit the water that bursted

The bubble of power & “motivational”

Pain. Each stroke, each 

Kick… it was almost like a dance.

I felt I was not fast

Like I once was.

We once felt like something

When the crowd screamed. 

The fear overcame the confidence

Body a violent creature

Starving for a break.

Just let go and go.

“A Break From What”

Our mind and body confused

When to stop,

What to stop.

Tears in eyes, 

That slick entry into 

The freezing water

At 6am. Each jump becomes more tiring

As I gain weight.

We are the future.

Dive, but never breathe!

& glide like a gentle butterfly.

Sprint sets. Flip turns.

The final push against everything

We learned to strengthen in new ways.

Our bodies unraveled through

The lap like an old sweater

Through the tears 

Of potentiality, & we knew we were

Graceful & powerful.