Member-only story
Swimming in the Sea
72. 30 August 2021
I’m swimming in the sea in the dawn,
The water salty and smoothly rippled;
I’m astonished that I’ve learned not to fear cold water:
Thirty seconds of “Aargh, get me outa here!”
Followed by a buzz that makes me smile,
The warmth flowing from my heart
As the cold-shock proteins do their job.
*
I’m a very slow swimmer, terribly bad at it.
My daughter is like a selkie when she swims.
I expect to see a seal-pelt left behind when she emerges.
I don’t even do English Windmill stroke, more Shortened Breast,
But who cares, no one is here because it’s early
On a Bank Holiday and everyone’s asleep.
*
I’m swimming in the sea as the red sun
Rolls his head behind the pillow of the hill
And looks at me, saying “Urgh.”
He’s a bit hungover. I smile and slowly paddle
Back to the steps. He’s sitting on the side
Of the land now, bracing himself.
*
I come up the steps like an even sturdier Aphrodite.
I dry myself on a towel, get dressed.
I’m not worried about being seen as she was.
My age wraps me up like a seal-pelt.
I can do whatever I like.
***
