Friday, June 13, 2008

City pool



Screams smack the water,
and whistles scold divers,
but it’s the low, rhythmic
slup of waves against breast
that delivers you from
braised shoulders, chlorine eyes

And the sun of your youth
charms forgotten old pennies,
as you push through a
blue-drunk oblivion,
enthralled by anemone legs,
grinning like Jaws


[Like an idiot, I forgot my camera
when we went to our city pool. So this
photo is snatched from here.]

8 comments:

Aine said...

Screams smack the water is the perfect start. And I love the slup of waves. Those sounds have always evoked a feeling of comfort in me, just as the sounds of a crowded beach do, because taking a nap in those places (after swimming to exhaustion) feels so good. Public pools have etched a vivid sensory experience in my memory. You've captured it here.
:)

Sarah Hina said...

From one fish to another: thank you, Aine. :)

I had almost forgotten how calming those sensations are. When we went to the pool, I took one turn by myself, while sticking Paul with the kids. It was brief, but wonderful.

Screw the Wii Fit. I'd rather swim. ;)

Anonymous said...

No better inspiration than what is unfolding right in front of you.

Man, I could hear those sounds in your words. As much as I tend not to like noise, it is a soothing sound.

Car keys...camera. The two should go together. ;)

Sarah Hina said...

I'm learning that, Jason (but I really, really need that new camera...photos taken on the old one are often too embarrassing to post).

Outside, chaotic noises don't bother me as much as inside ones. And the great thing about the pool is that you can always dip into that blue vacuum to escape even those...

:)

Sandy said...

swimming sure is fun on hot summers like this.

Sarah Hina said...

You're right, Sandy. We're going to be frequent guests to the pool this summer. Our kids insist. ;)

Thanks for coming by!

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

Lovely poem! REally captures the essence of a day at the pool. Chlorine eyes especially!

Sarah Hina said...

Thanks, Ello! I have a feeling I'll have more insights into pool days as the summer unfolds. :)