Thirteen

I remember the way I slipped quietly under the chlorinated water.

Above the surface it was too loud to hear the silence of my splash.

Whistles and chatter bounced against the chill cement walls.

I leaned on the steal handles of the diving board

And pretended to smoke. It was winter and I blew fog into the air,

moving my two fingers dramatically back and away from my mouth.

My friends giggled when I flicked the imaginary butt away.

Swinging my hips, I walked to the edge of the diving board.

I jumped high and curled my knees to my chin, “Cannon Ball”

I screamed and just as I hit the water I straightened my legs

And torso, streamline like a dart, into the pool.

I remember the way I slipped quietly under the chlorinated water.

Bubbles traveled about my body, tickling my skin.

Holding my breath came naturally and without panic.

For a moment I stayed under floating motionless near the bottom.

I thought, I am truly myself right now.

Thirteen feet of water is crushing my lungs, I hardly notice.

It was only for a moment and then it was gone.