By Lin McNulty

I can no longer 
tread, tremor, tease
float
naked in this moat
while gatekeeper
stands atop turreted tower
to tease, torment, taunt

My frantic fingers
scrape stony castle walls
to capture dangled key
which arouses hope, curiosity
yet unlocks neither gate nor heart

I loudly splash
to rise above the frenzy
of others
although none as bare as I 
who drift, stroke, drown
in comfortable, familiar, incessant rhythm

I find I can easily turn, return
to safe green ground,
dry off once welcome wetness,
perhaps sit for a bit on muddy bank
as weary witness
shiver
before just one more dive

Copyright 2004 McNulty