Belly Flop

Even my olfactory sensors

Like to play tricks on me.

For I could swear I smell you,

Though I can plainly see

That you are nowhere near.

And yet the pheromones swim inside my head.

I climb the high dive, anyway,

To see if you’ll notice me,

And when I reach the top,

I see you, right there,

On the life guard chair.

I pause for just a moment,

Feeling like a swan.

Though usually I belly bust,

I breathe deep and take the plunge.

And now I’m going under,

All the way,

Ten feet deep.

I see the other swimmers

From their necks down,

Kicking their legs and feet.

And now I’m coming up for air,

And push up beside you and plop

Down and bask beside you,

Unabashed,

Belly still red

From my belly flop.

-jenn long