East River Sighting

The river is notorious For filth and trash and slime, With rumors of dead bodies floating Once upon a time. I’ve witnessed homeless people Dumping urine (maybe worse) Into water which you’d think No normal person would immerse. Yet yesterday I spotted both A kayak and a boat Which were following a swimmer Stroking hard to stay afloat. Baring skin as white as chalk (No wetsuit acting as a shield), She proceeded through the current, Her emotions well-concealed. For if she felt some revulsion Or exuberance or fear Maybe all her concentration Helped to make them disappear. As we watchers on the promenade Did marvel in our masks I reflected on how people are So varied in their tasks.