swimmer.

the diver
descends
water envelops
embraces and drowns
no sound
and for that moment
there is no world
the pool -
endless
forever city
quiet sundays
people
mimed by stillness
breath

held

squeezed tight
molecule puzzle
the diver
fits
expands - though unseemingly
smug.

No desire pushes her to the surface
If there were no gravity
she might stay
forever

blue
clear liquid
skin
i can see to tiled
sea
fishmortal
death song -
but beautiful, delicious
(reach -
breath restless ) -
o the call
i hear
i sing
push up
break ceiling
a rush of sound
smack
ears and face
ascent
forced but
vital.

March 11, 1997.

Comments

[Monkey Wrangler]

This reminds of a time in Hawaii where I went down to the beach one evening in order to go "sink" myself. I plunged in and swam out to where the breakers were. I blew out all my breath, dove down, and grabbed onto some rocks then looked up (snorkle mask on). It was hard physically, but dreamy and otherworldly watching waves begin to crest and break overhead, all while lit by a sunset colored sky. I wanted to stay down there forever.
Thanks for the reminder. I needed that.