The water had changed
since last week.
I could feel September
around my ankles.
I stood there bargaining
for one more warm day,
then walked in
before I changed my mind.
Beyond the chatter
from the beach,
the small sounds gathered:
my breath,
a gull,
water closing at my shoulder.
Coming out,
I held the towel around me
with both hands.
The sand was cold between my toes
The first ocean swim being 42,
and the last ocean swim of the year.
