The first time I started to worry
about the curves of my body.
Was between the cubicles
after swimming record laps
and diving to the bottom of the pool;
submerging myself for an hour.
My new watery body scared me,
the scent of chlorine hung to my skin
and I knew that something had changed.
I don’t know whether my mother
recognised the fear in my voice
when I refused to wear anything but a swimsuit.
During one of my last swimming lessons,
before I understood that teenage girls;
have always loved to hate their own bodies,
just quietly.
I sat at the bottom of the pool,
waving like a hysterical seal at my twin sister.
Pointing at the wideness of my hips,
whilst she just blew bubbles under water
and laughed.

Comments
fatboy74 | August 29, 2011 - 19:51
Brilliant poem this Beeme. :-)
Beeme | August 29, 2011 - 20:16
Thank you, I'm really happy you think so :)
Beeme xx
seashore | August 29, 2011 - 22:45
You just grow and grow in writing terms that is, Beeme. Fantastic.
Beeme | August 30, 2011 - 08:53
wow, thank you so much Shoe for such a lovely comment :)
Beeme xx
Cavalcaderl | August 30, 2011 - 14:48
new Beeme
Thoroughly enjoyed this poem,
and exactly the way's you felt.
Well expressed. Oh! see a cherry!
well done. I could never swim,
not even after lessons, and the happenings trying.
Hope all is ok with you.
julie xx
tcook | August 30, 2011 - 15:47
This is our Facebook and Twitter pick of the day.
Join us on Facebook at ABCtales.com
Join us on Twitter @tcookabctales
Get a great reading recommendation most days.
Beeme | August 30, 2011 - 16:12
Thank you Julie :) wow, thank you so much Tony! I'm thrilled :D
Beeme xx
shoe | August 30, 2011 - 18:12
Love these narrative poems Beeme, this is so sweet and I adore the ending.
barryj1 | August 30, 2011 - 18:18
Lots and lots of unadulterarted wisdom here.
During one of my last swimming lessons,
before I understood that teenage girls;
have always loved to hate their own bodies,
just quietly.
That line pretty much says it all. Beautiful sentiments! Lovely poem!
Beeme | August 30, 2011 - 18:22
Thank you Shoe, glad you enjoyed :)
Beeme xx
Beeme | August 30, 2011 - 18:23
Thank you very much Barry. You are too kind. Glad you enjoyed.
Beeme xx
Nicola6 | August 31, 2011 - 16:53
Great writing that captures the strangeness of adolescence.
Beeme | August 31, 2011 - 19:48
Thank you very much Nicola6
Beeme xx