The Swim

By KC

I swim with the flow of the river.
The cold water cools not just my skin, but also my worries.
I can barely hear over the rapids.
I can barely see through the spray as it crashed all around.
I hold my breath, and my lungs burn.
My muscles scream out in protest as I strain to keep moving.
It’s a good feeling, honed over years of dedicated training.
It’s the same feeling I get when I awake, and thank God I’m alive.
For there is no greater freedom.
It is liquid life I swim through, confirmation I am alive.

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11 Comments

  1. Kayelynn on April 15, 2020 at 9:35 AM

    KC,

    Great poem! Your imagery makes me picture what you’re saying crystal-clear in my mind. It’s cool to see that you’ve found an outlet that helps you cope and appreciate the things in life!

  2. Hayley on April 15, 2020 at 3:20 PM

    KC,

    This poem is really beautiful. I also find comfort in swimming and think water can be healing. For me, holding my breath makes me feel like I have control even when I’ve almost lost it. Perhaps this feeling is similar to what you are expressing in this poem. I like the way you describe life as “liquid”, something you can move through as long as you have your breath and control. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

  3. Natasha on March 30, 2021 at 6:54 PM

    KC,

    As someone who also loves swimming, the imagery and words you used truly encompasses that feeling so well! When I swim, it truly feels like it is just me and the water. The last line especially stuck with me. Thank you for sharing this!

  4. Katie on May 3, 2021 at 4:02 PM

    “It is the liquid life I swim through that lets me know that I am alive” I can greatly relate to this poem you’ve written. SOmething about water and the properties and feeling of being in it can remind me that I am still alive and makes me feel so new. Water is something that is so much better and bigger than people make it seem and I’m glad that you find water to be such a useful and detrimental tool to your life. There is truly no greater freedom than just existing in those moments surrounded by the water and simply living. You’ve done an amazing job writing here, I encourage you to continue writing.

  5. Grace Denno on May 3, 2021 at 11:47 PM

    I am a student in a community service course at Wayne State in Detroit whose goal is to engage with the community beyond the university. When I discovered Free Minds I was immediately thrilled to see the connections build around your writings and heart, and what you have to offer is a powerful and beautiful gift to the community. It was a true privilege getting the opportunity to read what is on your heart and mind, your desires and passions, thoughts, and struggles. You have so much to say, so much wisdom to give, and such deep experiences and desires to share with the community that people from all walks of life, backgrounds, beliefs, and ages can deeply connect with and affiliate with. Keep engaging with the community and making your voice heard. You bring healing, hope, and renewal of mind to many who have the privilege to share in your poetry. In regard to your poem, I really like the imagery of cold water flowing over your skin and worries. I can relate to that feeling when in the shower or swimming, and you just zone out as if every little care or worry you had was gone for that second you are under the water. The last few lines were thrilling and insightful to try and decipher. Thank you for your work, I hope you keep pursuing writing. It made me feel alive to read this, you have a skill to awaken things in people.

  6. Reilly on May 5, 2021 at 11:45 AM

    You did a wonderful job with this poem. The imagery and descriptive language is so powerful! Thank you for this beautiful poem and I hope you continue writing!

  7. Katherine Murray Leisure MD on September 28, 2021 at 7:49 AM

    KC, This is the best SWIM poem I’ve found yet. Congratulations! It speaks to the soul of every swimmer. Wow!

  8. Anna Carpentiere on October 5, 2022 at 2:23 PM

    This poem is somewhat relaxing to read because of the words used to describe nature. Some of the lines in this poem leave you hanging but then finish with the next line which is interesting to read. The feeling of drowning is terrible and it pulls you down stopping you from reaching the surface. I like the meaning behind this poem and the context of the story. You got this and remember the best is yet to come!

  9. Cassidy on December 5, 2022 at 9:14 AM

    Hi KC,

    This poem was so cool and entertaining to read. You used such great imagery in the poem, which made the adjectives stand out and show their strength. I really enjoy the way you explained you love for nature and how dedicated you are to your training. I also loved your comparison to a passion you have to freedom, I think that is a fantastic way to look at it. I hope to read another poem about your connection with nature soon!

    Best,

    CB

  10. Kayla M on December 5, 2022 at 6:10 PM

    I think this poem paints a beautiful picture and shows you in words what freedom feels like. I think swimming is a great way to let go of stress. I love swimming because you can just float and forget about all of your worries. You’re an amazing writer and I hope you keep writing.

  11. Laura on February 28, 2023 at 5:13 PM

    Hi KC,
    I really enjoyed reading this poem. Your word choice was well thought out and created great imagery for the reader. I really liked how you connected swimming to life. I love to swim, and every line in your poem encompasses how I feel when in the water, but also when thinking about life. Thank you for sharing this amazing poem.

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