Immersion

It's early and
I'm not fully awake.

Bleary-eyed,
I slide
d
   o
w
    n
and let my feet
penetrate the
fragmented,
rippling,
variegated surface.

At once
at home here,
I let the water
awaken my body
as it begins to move
in the rhythm
it knows so well.

Delving into the depths,
I discover
a cool, quiet world.
It's just me
and the water.

Time slows down and
responsibilities drop away.
My mind relaxes as
there's nothing to think about
but the arc of my arm,
the cadence of my kick,
the angle of my pinkie finger
as it slices and curves
without splashing.