The swimmer, a visual poem about the physical and mental benefits of open water swimming and an expression of my love for the ocean.

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When I enter the ocean, tired and hopeless, I am not sure if I will ever return.

Maybe today is the day I will just keep swimming?

I step into the bitter cold and it burns my skin like a million red hot needles.

I force myself to breathe slowly, accepting the cold and salty embrace.

I kick off gliding forward. I see only darkness below but I am weightless and free.

I feel the palm of my hand catching the water, pushing it along my body, propelling me forward.

Catch. Pull. Release. Kick.

Repeat.

I surrender to the ebb and flow.

I exhale my past and with every inhale, I am reborn.

I am right here, right now.

The fog lifts from my mind.

I am far from the shore, alone but safe.

I am home.

I put my head down in the darkness again, smile and swim towards the shore, hopeful, energized.

Today was not the day.

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