Member-only story
free verse poetry | coping mechanisms | mental health |
Poolside Pleasures
the pool helps me cope
poolside pleasures
peaceful waves, aqua blue
shimmering sunny skies
a fine time to care for you
hydrating, happy, haven
relaxation is what I’m craving
basking in this warm weather
I haven’t been here in forever
back in childhood, chasing ice cream trucks
barefooted in swimsuits, giving no fucks
on a prime pool day, we would laugh and play
“re-apply your sunscreen!” mommy would say
filling our lungs with air
as we plunged without care
most times, I’d dunk my hair
other times, I was too scared
of freshly pressed tress regrets
to tuck it into a swim cap, I’d try my best
but none of them ever passed the test
leaving it wet and wild like the west
and pretty poofy on breaks from the pool
rinse it, rock it, and let it flow, cool
freely frolicking with…
