It’s hot.
At least 85 and sunny.
I can feel the blistering rays against
my bronzed skin.

I have to stay focused.
My back stands straight
against the tall, pure white, wooden tower.
The black strap rests over a relaxed shoulder,
red flotation sits on my lap.
Ready position.

I can feel myself nodding off
struggling to concentrate
on the lively lake in front of me.

Oh no.
One long whistle and my legs
peel from the wooden stand
and bound through the shallows.
Hand over hand,
crawling toward a
quiet body.

I wish I could share
my racing pulse with theirs.

The body repeatedly slips under the surface
until I completely lose contact.
Don’t panic.
I dive under in hopes of
finding a sign of life.

I feel a hand on mine and grasp on,
only to realize my shift is over and
it’s time to rotate.
I scan the water until I climb down
and everything is in place.
A peaceful lake, full of life as it should be.