The Swimming Pool

• Chaewon Park, Grade 10
• Poetry
• 2020

My little toes slowly slid off the tile and dipped into the icy water,
While I watched them distort into tiny, fleshy blobs.
My hands were clammy with sweat, my stubby nails sharply digging into my palms
As I tightly gripped my bright red goggles.

My sisters whooped with joy, their high-pitched cries piercing my ears
As they fearlessly dived into the pool like wild dolphins.
With a deep sigh, I stared at our parents, peacefully dozing on the sunbeds;
Their mouths were wide open, catching the summer flies.

Suddenly, I slipped off the wet tile -
The freezing water engulfed me like a greedy monster,
Who sliced my soft skin open with its razor-sharp fangs,
Leaving eerily beautiful scarlet ribbons dancing before my eyes.

I thrashed under the water, the chlorine stinging my eyes
When two sturdy hands pulled me up;
Heaving, I hit the surface and frantically gasped
As I stared at the serene water on the swimming pool.