Talk to Yourself Gently

Turtle Pond

Deep and dark.

The surface warm from the sun. Diving down through cold currents.

Back and forth between two tiny fishing docks,

I could swim all day.

The rhythmic breathing meditative and addicting.

A small pond, but perfect for long swims.

Nestled in the trees, quiet, peaceful. Right by the road in a reservation, part of the city.

A big sign read 'No Swimming', attracting an interesting crowd of people.

Faces radiant with bliss, beautiful smiles.

An intimate place in the midst of a cold Northeastern city.

I had lost the ability to get to my favorite famous pond and so when I saw a couple of people with towels, as I drove by, my eyes widened.

I would float on my back cloud gazing at the end of a long swim. Swallows doing their aerial acrobatics with such blinding speed. Darting down to the surface of the pond, my heart skipping a beat. I would play in the water a bit like a small child, swirling around, somersaulting.

I would drag myself out knowing it was time to leave, but never wanting to. Shapeshifting just a dream.