Swimming Under the Stars

This morning I went to the gym before sunrise.

I mounted my customary machine for 15 minutes.

Then I'd had enough.

I stepped outside by the pool to cool off; the temperature was in the 5o's, I guess.

The water in the pool was warm and irresistably inviting,

So I shucked my shoes and socks and slid in.

I had this small body of water to myself.

Joy set in.

The sky was still dark and a few stars were visible.

After swimming a few laps, I paddled on my back for a precious few minutes.

The sky was glorious! If I'd had just a little more nerve, I'd have sung out...

I watched the sky fade into day from this warm pool of water,

Moving through and balancing on the surface of this gift of water.

I thought, "What a perfect start of this new day."