swimming again 2/24/10

the water surrounds me
covers me
the coolness of it
stimulates me
as i stroke down the lane
arms pulling
feet kicking
my breath bubbles out
i turn my head out of the water
breathe in
breathe out
the old rhythms
so long disused
so long unpracticed
return as though
i swam only yesterday
but
much sooner than i remember
happening before
my arms grow heavy
my breathing labored
and i am reminded
of how long i’ve spent on land
and how much i feel
that i have now returned home

©2010-Art Belliveau