A steep drop off from
the cold bottom step, my
toes scrape the rough
concrete bottom, the
level bobs between my
lips and nose, makes me sputter.

You are collar bones above
the surface, unaware
of my tightened breathing, my
eyes ever scanning
above,
below,
around me.
Your body glides, splashes spontaneous.

Marco?

I blindly ride my
invisible underwater bike just
to breathe.
Ears tuned in to your frequency, the
background chatter like
smeared paint in a landscape.

You could offer mercy, let me
sit on your knee and rest, whisper
love in my ear, but
you continue the game.

I hear your mischievous
smile in your voice, not warm, but
sharp as the edge of a blade.

Polo…