Shadow of a Decade

I have only twelve years behind me

These slats leave banded marks on my
thighs with their rubber claws
the card is tucked under my strap
Mint-green, damp, curling blind

The heat is harassing me and
he is not here to assauge me
so I dive, passably, and pull
half the length of the pool

I cannot focus in motion

My adrenaline roars in the
silent mosaic arena
I move symmetrically but
my knee pops like a bad habit

I spot him on land, yelling as I
bob and his flushed lips move and
he mimes with phantom palms and
Signals love from across the sea

He shouts inaudible rules

But I know them already
he is on his knees and
swathing my brand new body and
tadpole mind, effortlessly

I am the coyest, but I live to follow
him barefoot down rusting stairs
buckets in our virgin hands
I will misplace him without intention

My spun-out jewel in the maiden grass

26 July 2009

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