I stand on the edge of the diving board
Preparing for a jump
The surface glistening from the sun
No ripples upon its face

I’m afraid
Though I want to jump
To feel the energy
Of the wind
In my ears

The water tempts me to jump
And swim within its depths of blue
I bend my knees and steal a heavy breath

Pushing off I am flying
Like an apple falling from a tree
The water absorbs me in a bear hug

Air bubbles from my nose
In a constant flow
Of tiny jelly fish

My hands—knives—
Cut through rich silk
The water chills my body
And tiny bumps form on my arms

As I pull myself up
Towards the atmosphere
The water seems to hold me back
Begging me not to go
At the surface
I inhale and relax

The nervousness of jumping gone
The excitement just beginning