Ode To Swimmers

Rachel Estep

Down below the block and feet
Bubbles up the water's heat.
Steaming up past glint and glare
To a place where weight is steady and fair.

Dripping down from steel to steel
Adrenalin pumping, ready to kneel.
Hand and hand on either side
Head is ducked braced for the ride.

The buzzer sounds, loud and clear
Off you go with nothing to fear.
Down and back, flip at the wall
Friends are cheering, hear them call.

Hold your breath, count to three
Turn your head, look for the T.
Upside down the bubbles flow
Sprint back, it's time to go.

Don't take your time, this ain't a quiz
The faster you go the easier it is.
Kick and pull with all of your might
Hurry now the wall's in sight.

Don't look back for you'll slow down
Nothing matters but wearing the crown.
Your breath is short, head is spinning
It all plays off because you are winning!

Now that it is done, everything is sore.
But you just come back to do it some more.