The water smells like rain and is tame,
like a friend waiting for an embrace,
walk in slowly, give your body time to
adjust to the chill, watch your pace.
The cold rushes around your legs,
undertow pulling and you reach for a hand,
you’re up to your waist, now delighted by
the transparent water and sand.
Your limbs are numb and then suddenly
they are not, like the lake made you a part
of her, you’re learning her by osmosis
and you move with her watery heart
that beats against yours, and you plunge in
to join her, her arms holding you high
and, for a moment, you miss the salt
but the sea birds still sing and you sigh.
She rocks you and then you cut away
swimming through her, dividing the waters
and now you are the master of her, like
one of Poseidon’s daughters.
Further out, the world turns turquoise
and the sky touches it with pale blue,
swimming back to the beach and family,
the wind whispering memories new.

picture by Lisa Paul
Copyright ©2025 Lisa Paul
This is a lovey poem – I really like how the lake is personified. I especlly like:
“the lake made you a part
of her, you’re learning her by osmosis
and you move with her watery heart”
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Thank you very much, Kim! ❤️
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You know, there is a part of me that is terrified of water and swimming and another part that can just relax in that feeling of cold weightlessness. Your poem actually had my heart racing as I read about getting into that water.
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I think I know what you mean. I love the water but also have a healthy appreciation for how dangerous it can be. The waves are so rowdy sometimes that I have to have help getting out. Humbling, but much safer. Thank you for your comment, I’m so happy it was realistic ❤️🩷
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I love your relationship with the water, Lisa, and all the changes you go through.
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Thank you so much! 😊❤️
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You’re welcome!
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This is gorgeous! What a brilliantly descriptive piece. Brava!
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Thank you so much! ✨🩵
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What a wonderful description Lisa and love your photo too 🙌
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Thank you so much 🩵🩵
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Love the way this flows, Lisa — to me it feels like being pulled into the lake with every line, calm then powerful. 🌊
~David
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Thank you so much for your kind words, David! ✨🩵
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Would you mind if I share this as a reblog at some point in the future?
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I would not mind, I would be honored!!
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Loving the rhyme and rhythm. Well done. 👏
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Thank you very much! ✨🩵
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“Your limbs are numb and then suddenly
they are not, like the lake made you a part
of her, you’re learning her by osmosis
and you move with her watery heart
that beats against yours,”
What beautiful thoughts.
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❤️ thank you, Melissa
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hi, Lisa❣️
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3 prompt, hosted by our beloved Jaideep, is now live:
https://skepticskaddish.com/2025/09/10/w3-prompt-176-weave-written-weekly/
Much love,
David
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Thank you!
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🤗
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