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The Swimmer

I saw her swim out to where distance and wave height made her disappear from sight. The water still carried the last of summer's warmth. She was where I would like to be, loosened from what binds this body to gravity, to be free of weight and feel nothing beneath my feet but a plunging depth. I would be tempted to let myself sink slowly into that mystery, taking in wave and water, to float as a child would within a womb, held on the end of an umbilical cord linking the now to eternity.

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Lin Lane

Date: 2/20/2025 1:12:00 PM

The weightlessness of floating in the sea gives me a sense of something I can't quite describe. I pity those who aren't buoyant or who fear just lying back and trusting their body to feel what you have described, Paul. You used a great comparison of being inside the womb... a safer place than any found outside that sanctuary where we swim at the risk of land sharks.

Paul Willason
Date: 2/21/2025 3:46:00 AM

Dear Lin you always give a poem a good airing..offer sensitive and wise comment...a pleasure to receive. Enjoyed writing this poem, found its way out quite easily, managing to bypass my sometimes stern arbitration. Don't like the land sharks...too many of em swim the shallows these daya. Take care dear Lin.

David Kavanagh

Date: 2/20/2025 2:36:00 AM

Beautiful ethereal poem Paul, the sense of acceptance linking one to eternity is all pervasive, this piece could make great waves into the healing contest, cheers David

Paul Willason
Date: 2/21/2025 3:32:00 AM

Thanks David for giving the poem some time...as mentioned to DD this one started off in one direction then seemed to change course, allowing a more positive interpretation. Part of the mystery of poetry...often a poem has its own mind and you are simply the transcriber. Appreciate your comments my friend...

Di11y Da11y

Date: 2/20/2025 1:22:00 AM

Presumably that's why floatation tanks have their appeal Paul (distinctly unpoetic though!). I've done the sound bathing and also a breath work class that zonked me out into another realm, plus the experience of the runners high. Who knows whether that's where we already are, where we'll be or something else entirely. Thought provoking, best wishes

Paul Willason
Date: 2/21/2025 3:26:00 AM

Wasn't sure where this poem was going when I started out...at first it had a rather dark tone but then it seemed to make a u turn into something entirely different...had a lift into the possibility of transcendence. Who knows...enjoyed writing it though. Thanks DD...yr support is very much valued.