Andrea Dietrich Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

This took place when I was 18 in my first year of college, during Semester Abroad to Madrid. I had gained at least ten pounds on all the yummy Spanish foods and pastries. My little group named me "Miss Spain" for my great love of that country and the way I documented all the things I did there and for the many pictures I took. At this time of my life I was also able to visit Morocco, Rome, Israel, Athens, Paris and London. I doubt I will ever have the chance to do this kind of thing again, so I am so grateful that in my youth I had this opportunity to know the land I had studied about in high school when I took Spanish classes and later majored in Spanish at BYU.

Just I - All Alone

I swam inside the Mediterranean Sea.
In what would be my Glory Days, off Valencia’s coast,
I dipped my foot in freezing water;
withdrew it; then dipped it in again.
(I’d always had my own will even then,
just didn’t realize how strong it was).

Disappointingly, my one day to enjoy the sea was cold.
I still cannot recall if others from my group
ventured out there with me and stayed for long
although I remember a few of them were shivering
riding on the bus to go back home.
Oh, it was so very long ago!

Nor can I recollect the suit I wore
(I do know I was plump then; 
"Gordita” the men called out to me).
The season - was it early spring or still the winter?
And what specific color claimed the sea that day
along my beloved Iberia’s splendid shore?

Of that afternoon, I remember only this:
Aimlessly I let my body float first in one direction,
then another; keeping my eyes always on land,
my body numb, accustomed to the freeze.
No one was around me; I drifted, sometimes nearly straying. . . 
just I - all alone -
letting my whole self go. . .  for maybe 40 minutes.
It was something I felt that I just had to do
so that years later, standing here today
 (“Gordita” frozen deep inside me)
I can say that I swam in that mighty, ancient sea.

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Sandra Haight November 24, 2014 at 9:05 AM Andrea, I just found your wonderful poem, and it is awesome! I want to congratulate you on your 1st place win! Sandra

Debbie Guzzi November 22, 2014 at 7:36 PM Boy if I was there I would have given that crew a good tongue lashing & don't you think I wouldn't have no matter the cost! Good on you gal friend! Light & Love & Congrad's Andrea Dietrich November 22, 2014 at 8:24 PM ??

Jennifer Walker November 22, 2014 at 10:59 AM Hey sis, what a marvelous recollection. I don't ever remember you being fat, not ever. I looked Gordita up and in Mexico it also means cutie. That is what you are to me my dear cutie sister. Andrea Dietrich November 22, 2014 at 2:16 PM It is an affectionate word like when someone is a little plump but cute. That was how I interpreted it. Jenny, you never saw me in Spain, where I put on at least ten pounds eating potato omelet sandwiches, pastries and other yummy foods. I lost it all in my week of starvation before returning to the states. then I gained the ten pounds back when I visited you in texas (only by that time, the extra weight looked good on me from exercising!!) You have not seen me in five years. I am Gordita again. haha

Paul Callus November 22, 2014 at 6:15 AM Congratulations on being placed first, Andrea! That Med.Sea is so warm and lovely when the time of the year is right. I swim in it nearly every day through parts of spring, all summer and right up until now. // You had a lovely tour there...pity you missed Malta:) // paul

Brenda Meier-Hans November 21, 2014 at 8:10 PM What a beautiful place to be all alone. Lovely poem Andrea. Congratulations on your win.

Faye Gibson November 21, 2014 at 7:04 PM I love this, Andrea. I cannot imagine doing what you did as I do not swim, but I do love the ocean and its many personalities. Congratulations.

John Lawless November 21, 2014 at 6:40 PM Well Andrea, once again you have earned the most cherished "WICKED PISSA" award from a lifelong Bostonian. Great write.

Pandita Sietesantos November 21, 2014 at 6:17 PM Congratulations, great poet, your works are so admirable and this win is a manifestation of your excellence! Best wishes. Pandita

Mark Trichet November 21, 2014 at 5:35 PM Brilliant! A story to behold...I love reading your work Andrea, truly inspiring for novice poets like me. :)

Shadow Hamilton November 21, 2014 at 11:13 AM brilliant Andrea a well deserved win congrats

Kayod5 Kayode November 21, 2014 at 11:13 AM Congrats Andrea, I am not surprised you did it again,like I always say,you are just too much and I'm always happy whenever I go through you wonders, congrat again...huggs

Maurice Yvonne November 21, 2014 at 9:38 AM Oh yeah, I faved it.

Carrie Richards November 21, 2014 at 9:35 AM Interesting story, Andrea......and what a wonderful experience you had long ago. One of my best friends from school, now lives on the coast of Iberia....and I have always wanted to go visit! Her pictures are beautiful ! Congrats on your number one win!!

Dr. Upma A. Sharma November 21, 2014 at 7:20 AM Superb write Andrea! Congrats on huge win!

Maurice Yvonne November 21, 2014 at 7:04 AM Congratulations on your first place win Andrea this is gorgeous write.

Jan Allison November 21, 2014 at 4:21 AM I feel your sense of solitude - you captured this moment perfectly with incredible imagery Andrea - many congrats on your top spot:-) Hugs Jan xx

Robin Davis March 23, 2014 at 11:08 AM Andrea What an interesting and intriguing story you have told. The experiences you have in your heart have been written so clearly, the reader feels they are right there with you. Thanks for the wonderful comment on my Bumblebee Jim poem. Hugs

Harry Horsman November 21, 2012 at 8:45 AM what an advertisment for spain and your poetry, this is so good....

Tahera Mannan August 26, 2011 at 11:38 PM Well Gordita, this is your true maserpiece and yes a fav. Many warm congrats for this win.

Constance La France August 26, 2011 at 5:15 PM Congratulaltions Andrea on your 3rd place win in my contest with this wonderful poem~~

Debbie Guzzi August 26, 2011 at 5:10 PM Such a brave, brave women! great adventure and a great write! Light & Love

Jack Horne August 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM Knew this would be a winner - Many congrats to you, Andrea : )

Natalie The Rogue Rhymer August 25, 2011 at 4:33 PM Andrea you can really tell a story well. Fantastic job hon! Also, I can't belive your age. I thought you were younger than me-really!

Tony Lane August 25, 2011 at 2:47 PM Well done. I enjoyed your entry. Tony

Dan Kearley August 25, 2011 at 2:24 PM Congrats on your win!I could almost feel the water. :-)

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