Swimming Alongside Ashley Peet

In the pool opaque waves
and vivid teal waters
 
your strength is taken away,
chlorine your new perfume;
you have damaged hair
and more than anything: pain
 
Your extending arms into the water,
a rhythm reaching for that tiled wall
just to somersault
and embark again.
 
Legs beat the water endlessly,
sending fireworks of water,
imitating the sparks of the girl in front of you--
the one with the floral suit
and swim cap a bright yellow,
like the center of a daisy.
 
She has a taste for play,
with glee in her brown eyes
ready to frolic
and ready to flee
when the coach's eyes begin to bulge.