Swim Meet

Bare arms and toned legs fill my view My own tremble slightly as I make my way to the edge of the concrete I try to remind myself that it’s only the beginning I try to remind myself of my hours of preparation I try to remind myself that the cheers invading my ears are for me But I only remember the color of the water I only remember its cool, inviting touch I look up; I see faces Some are familiar and smiling Some are unknown; their eyes observant and judging No one can help me now I’ll enter alone; I’ll race alone I’ll rejoice or cry all alone A speaker screams with a crackling voice, telling me my time has come The starting blocks resemble mountains Tall, intimidating, statures to guide me My fear of falling disappears The bodies beside to me assume the same position Ready Thoughts whiz through my head and bounce off the walls of my skull Invisible creatures born to distract me I can’t comprehend them; there’s no time One deep breath is all I have time for One deep breath is all I need That, and speed of course The buzzer sounds and the rest of the world fades to grey I jump