Swim
Photo by Douglas Salisbury
Swim
As I swam out one evening
breaststroking a mountain pond,
the green sigh of the water
was deeper than any sound
that I had heard that whole long day
and deeper yet again
than I had heard the rain-drummed night
before that day began.
The water did not whisper,
we did not talk at all–
but it returned each every stroke
along my short and tall.
It pressed against each wrinkle,
caressed both swell and crack,
swallowed me within its float–
oh how I loved it back.
And up against the apron
space wears when being sky,
a slivered moon shone like a chance,
I thought had passed me by.
I swam out one evening
after a so long day,
and where I came to shore again
is nought that I will say.
*****************************
Here’s a very drafty poem for Susie Clevenger’s ( prompt on Real Toads based on the photography of Douglas Salisbury at Moments Captured Photography.
Tags: As I swam out one evening, Auden walks I swim, manicddaily, photos by Douglas Salisbury, thank god for pond poem
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ManicDDaily 
August 22, 2015 at 1:01 am
What a wonderful image. To swim at night is so special, a joy that make all those tension float away in the water. You make me want to do it…
August 22, 2015 at 7:02 am
Such lovely images 🙂
Beautifully penned
Lots of love,
Sanaa
August 22, 2015 at 8:36 am
I Love every stroke of your poem: arms and water sounds and pond edges and mother apron and moon face … it is such a hug. The rhythm and rhyme make it even cozier.
August 22, 2015 at 8:45 am
This is beautiful poetry. It reminds me of poetry by top American poets, like Sara Teasdale. The photo is awe-inspiring but you have added a musicality to the scene, a sense of drifting on currents which may take us far from the here and now. Superb.
And up against the apron
space wears when being sky,
a slivered moon shone like a chance,
I thought had passed me by.
I love the balance of phrasing and this is my favourite image. Thanks for a wonderful reading experience.
August 22, 2015 at 8:59 am
Thanks so much, Kerry–I had so little time yesterday and was feeling terribly depressed not to have been writing, so just kind of made myself do something to salvage a bit of myself. I cheated in basing the beginning on Auden, as I have memorized that poem of his–As I walked out one evening–and so can keep the rhythms in my head. Thanks for your kind words. k.
On Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 9:45 AM, ManicDDaily wrote:
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August 22, 2015 at 11:52 am
I see that Kerry has already mentioned my favorite image, though really, I like the middle and last stanzas a LOT as well–this is just beautiful poetry, resonant, sonorous, light as a ripple on water, and deep as a dark mirrored lake, mysterious, and full of the life of the subconscious– a whole ecosystem of it. Just exquisite writing, and the light echo of Auden just makes it more comfortable and warming to read. Love it completely.
August 22, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Ha. Well, thanks. This one a bit of a gift. k.
On Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 12:52 PM, ManicDDaily wrote:
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August 22, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Love your choice of photo. “The water did not whisper, we did not talk at all–but it returned each every stroke along my short and tall.” I feel the serenity, healing in this verse. Your poem makes me feel like melancholy slipped into the water and healing brought hope to the shore. This is a beautiful piece. Thank you so much for taking part in the prompt!
August 22, 2015 at 3:12 pm
The green sigh of the water. Like that line much.
I was just talking to someone the other day about how water is so comforting because it fills every bit of space it can find in you. Like a full body hug, suspending us.
Solid close on this as well K.
August 22, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Karin,
This has such a wonderful understatement throughout, a pace that lulls, until all at once the ideas rise up and envelope. A very fine draft. Can’t wait to see the final product!
Steve K.
August 22, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Thank you so much, Steve. k.
August 22, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Thank you so much, Steve. I don’t always get back to these things, but am hoping to some time! k.
On Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 8:24 PM, ManicDDaily wrote:
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August 23, 2015 at 6:00 pm
The third stanza is wonderful. Very well written. Your poem makes me want to hit the beach this night. Unfortunately, I have to go early to the office tomorrow… Another time.
August 23, 2015 at 10:30 pm
the lilt of late August, caught perfectly against memory. lovely, k ~