Stars shimmer in the predawn night
A mountain lake awaits, her cool waters beckoning

I quickly shed all my clothes
Feeling the chill of the air
But I don't shiver - I'm ready to dive in, to surrender to her

Dawn's early gray peaks at the horizon
I plunge into her cold embrace
The rush of the water invigorates me
A shallow dive, my wet cheeks greeting the morning air

Stars begin to fade
I start my stroke
Muscles warming, I kick like a spring frog
Water ebbs and flows through my body
Like a Bach Adagio, slow and serene

I brush my hip with my hand on each stroke
I feel wet skin
My skin
No suit

Pinks and purples, a sonnet of color, grace the sky
I roll over on my back, chest above the water
Cool breeze whispers over my *******
Water caressing my skin
Aware of this fleeting moment
This glorious sunrise never to be seen again

Morning sun chases away dawn's colors
I quicken my pace, feeling my shoulders ache
Mind starts to wander, blocking the pain

What if everyone could experience this swim?
Becoming one with nature
Comfortable living in their skin
No hate, no depression

Morning has arrived
As I reach the shore, legs wobbly and head spinning
I stand looking at the sky, feeling grateful to be alive
Memories of this swim, a treasure to cherish
I smile -I am a swimmer