Being Underwater

Padding my little feet down the walkway

Feeling like a model in my monokini

I looked at my parents with their broad grin

I knew my expected reaction was to be excitement

My hair falling across my face and I had to brush it off a few times

I felt the stares like the scorching sun

I was probably too cute

I had my moment to take it all in

The golden rays from the sky

The aesthetic palm trees and the cedars waved joyously.

I tied my hair into a knot and wore my cap

My googles were too big but I didn’t have any care in the world.

Now it was time to go under water

The first splash was accompanied with shouts and laughter.

The water probably had something to do with the accents of the people I met.

Squirt guns and floats made my day

Years later walking in with my headphones and magazine

The feeling was different

Everyone was about the technology life

iPads and iPods on the wicker chaise loungers

The chlorinated pool with a blend of liquid body waste

At the sight of the white flag after the dark clouds with life guards stationed at every exit,

I knew it was safe to go in

This time calmer

No splash

I went underneath and allowed the water seep all my fears and aches

The cool blue wrapped around my body

I closed my eyes for a long time

Removing voices that weren’t mine

The dissonance of voices were silent

Taking a supine position, I allowed the water to take me where was safe

I stayed afloat

My body had no weight so I wasn’t scared of falling

I stayed above the water for minutes I didn’t take note of.

With the movement of my arms,

I became as carefree as the butterfly

My body forming a reflection of the person I truly want to be with the people I love in my heart.

I felt at peace