every summer,  I’d open my eyes  in chlorine water,

intentionally burning myself  for a few seconds of  squiggly legs and dancing arms.

I’d pretend the blue vision  was naturally mine. that special sting given in exchange  for exploring mermaid fantasies and pseudo-oceanic landscapes.

I’d almost always win  the breathing contest, where endurance through manmade pain  meant recognition; although

I’d still come back up  gasping, drinking irritating chemicals and choking them back out.  the liquid burned my sinuses, forcing me to take a breather—

to remember I am only human after all.

I wasn’t allowed  to get the towel wet  until I was ready  to give up, but that was never an option for my determined breath. 

sometimes, I’d get to experience deep blue waves, the pool lights like small moons,  shining a path to more mysteries, but

just like the time came where  I had to wrap myself in terrycloth,  hop in the backseat, and  take a warm shower,  there also came the time when   summer ended and school began.

I’d spend the first month   slathering aloe gel onto   sensitive joints as a reminder  of how strong the sun   smiled down on me. 

underneath my collared uniform,   I could feel the sting   that came with   the ultimate freedom.