I never learned to swim
in cold, rippling blue pools
because my neck glands swelled
and forced me to endure hot towels
so this hot springs pool shimmering
green moss insulation
clinging to cement walls and floor,
beckoned a soothing wave
as I jumped right in.
I splashed and waded up to my chin
in the casual warm water
kneading my toes into the lawn moss below
to get a grip to swim/walk side to side
and bobber float with the yellow and green beach ball
I blew up with my own life-saving breath
soft mat of moss like entering a watery jungle
or womb-like summery scene
peeled off like a wet, suction-cup bathing suit
when I was forced to leave
and feel the goose bumps of the outside world.