Heart Twist

Early this morning, sitting in my car, 
Watching my son at swim team practice,
I see the flash and splash of water
Arms slicing in perfect synchonicity.

The sun glints off their shimmering bodies,
The kids' movement through the water, cleaving,
Their faces almost beatific, as if they are giding on a silvery path
which opens up before them, allowing smooth passage.

The smell of chlorine, wet cement and sunscreen
Wafts through my nostrils, bringing memories of a distant time
(mothers waiting for dripping offspring, dry towels ready)
Piercing my total being with bittersweet longing.

My son heads in my direction and my attention
Is grabbed by his youthfulness and innocence,
Still a boy, not yet a man, my small man-child is
Caught in the middle somewhere between the two.

Big smile on his sun-freckled face
Blond hair tinged green with chlorine,
Skinny arms and legs akimbo,
Couldn't be more beautiful to me.

I give his sun-warmed body a brief squeeze
Before he pulls away, embarrassed, but
I see a small smile appear on his lips as his eyes meet mine,
And I am happily content.

These moments are sweetly fleeting,
But are stored in my heart forever.

Lori Torrio  6\4\04

Copyright © Lori Torrio | Year Posted 2005

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