balancing alone
on the aluminum dock
she pockets her phone
spying a rock
on the nearby shore
can she jump the span
or will minnows
strip off her skin
as she sinks below
to leave a skeleton
shivering green in shadows
of gleaming bone
answered by visions
mostly morose
she makes her decision
to settle her toes
just below the surface
where she can lift
them from the grasp
of churning fish
it's a very cold dip
but she fights
the compulsion to slip
on her shoes
she waits for a nibble
and sways her feet forth
reaching her ankle
into the course
still deeper the pulse
as the chill tingles up
from the school swimming close
her legs to her hip
she rubs her thighs
with palms
staunching shivers
erupting inside
and clenches her seat
as ribs of the docks
etch staff lines
into buttocks
firm as grapes
sitting knees spread
relaxes her pose
lazing back on her head
she waits
for a nibble
but fears for a bite
she wouldn't quibble
if discomforts were slight
her phone wakes vibrating
and she starts up to this
where she has been laying
and dreaming the fish.