My heart takes a lifetime to plunge.
Cold waters await.
Is it worth it?
Freedom is easy to desire.
All around me,
the sounds of progress -
thunderous, clanging, male.
Alone, half-naked, seeing blurred,
I read the verse of the first
free women
and inch my way in,
to freeze and learn,
that for me,
it is enough to be here.
© Shaista Tayabali, 2023
Linked to dverse poets Open Link Night
It’s hard to believe I’ve been back in Cambridge for almost three months. I think I have accepted my return?! The water was so cold the day I wrote this poem… it took me an eternity to plunge my body into the pool… but knowing England was awash with snow, and I would have to face a different, darker, greyer cold, I talked my body into the blue.
"...for me, it is enough to be here." That is so lovely....and so true, Shy-star! It is enough for your fans, too, that you are here. More than enough. I love the photo. The water was so blue.........Wonderful to see you posting, always.
ReplyDeleteHow cold to plunge into that water. Hope the journey and stay have been worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to East Anglia, Shaista! I love the line ‘My heart takes a lifetime to plunge’, which could mean falling in love, or taking a risk, as well as plunging into a pool. Your poem is a clever extended metaphor that made me shiver as well as applaud that dive into the future.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have adopted, and now the water will be warmer as well.
ReplyDelete