Born Again

 

I remember a summer’s day

at a pool my father took me to

in Casablanca when I was

no more than four or five.

from the pool, I could see

the blue expanse of the Atlantic ocean.

its horizon merchant ships and

fishing trawlers dotted.

the sun high above blew hot air

on us like the mouth of a giant furnace.

the ground a smoldering coal

made people scamper to the cool water

of the pool.

some eased into it.

others jumped with screams of joy.

the pool pulsated with life.

it exuded happiness.

I was riveted.

my fears drifted away as if

blown by the breeze.

I ran to the edge and looked at the crystal

clear water.

I threw a foot in it.

refreshing. exciting. inviting.

the heat pounded on my shoulders

and head burning.

the bottom looked very near.

So I jumped.

and there was silence.

cool refreshing silence first.

then, my feet did not make it

to the bottom.

my head was below the water.

even with my arms extended

straight above,

my fingers couldn’t break the surface.

my eyes were open.

I took a breath. water filled my mouth.

came through my nostrils. I could feel it

in my ears.

my hands dog-paddled.

my feet kicked. I drank water.

and more water.

and more water.

I reached a shiny ladder.

I pulled myself up.

I staggered about like a waif.

crying. snotty. dizzy

my stomach distended like a balloon.

my lungs starved for air.

me, starved for a life I'd hardly learned

to appreciate.

all around me, laughter and happiness.

the pressing heat from the sun.

and the cooling breeze from the ocean.

Reviews

[cest la vie]

What a great read for lazy Saturday. I loved your flow of words and thoughts. See, I actually read two stories in this one piece. The child remembering and the lesson in the the childs experience. Really great work!!

Lynne

[MagiCrystal]

speechless.. this is the most beautiful words I have read in a while... Love it..
Good description of your feelings...!

[Li Li]

The words of Cabala return....

Such a descriptive piece. I could feel the anxiety, the overwhelming sensation of something new, and the fear when going under for the first time.

The ladder seemed to have been a lifesaver. Funny how the bottom always looks closer than it is.

Wonderful.

~Li