Standing on the slanted block
I wait for the signal
To crouch down and open my ears
And try to hear through the throng of voices
To hear the one noise needed to begin my race
My race against the clock
This is the moment I can be free

The buzzer goes off, and off we go
Through the water clear as glass
Shouts and cheers cannot invade the peace
Kept beneath the swirling pool
Only the silent sounds of water rush into my ears
And encourage me to focus on the reason I am here
This is the moment I can be free

Gliding through the water
Water as cold as ice
I push myself harder
To finish the race
This is the moment I can be free

My hand touches the wall
My heavy breathing slowing
And I wonder why I do this
Time and time again

But I know that this is the place that I can be free
Away from noisy world
A place to think and reflect
A place to be myself
This is the moment I can be free

What would I be without the water?
I hope to never find out
Because for a few moments

I can escape the worries tied down to me
Release the strings pulling me
And enjoy a few moments of freedom
Before returning to my routine
For this is the moment I can be free