Swimming in a sea of perfection I swallow it down drowning in chlorine She's better He's better they're all better What am I? Right left right breathe in right exhale exhale exhale "it's humbling," she says expecting to be perfect the first time in a new pool after an injury I look and remember grateful that today I'm not her I'm not perfect and actually don't care! Shivering in the lane I wait my turn I take off swiftly: my favorite stroke Kick, glide, breathe, repeat I am powerful I am strong I am confident imperfectly! I look to my right and want to yell: it's not humbling, It's perfect It's beautiful It's... It's okay! Instead, I smile and crack a joke or two We laugh and laugh and say our goodbyes until next time until next time with hope and courage we will return to dive in again.
Scream: In Defiance
November 3, 2025
