Chlorine Dreams

When you miss the thrill of the swim meets

There's a deathly silence before the buzzer goes off
This is what I've trained for
Cold water surrounds me
And my arms and legs begin pumping
Chlorine fills my senses

Breath
Flip
I hear cheers in between breaths
I see my teammates waving me on
Accidentally swallowing water

I reach the end, out of breath
Weak, sloppy highfives
From teammates
Competitors
And coaches

I feel praised
Even though I didn't get first
I feel like I belong
I feel welcome
Like family