Swimming

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.

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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.

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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