Sea Swim in May

The promise of cool salt sting as we undress. Shingle underfoot, I hobble to the water’s edge, inch forward painfully until the wave wash pulls the pebbles under me and I stumble in. The shock

The promise of cool salt sting
as we undress.

Shingle underfoot,
I hobble to the water’s edge,
inch forward painfully
until the wave wash pulls
the pebbles under me
and I stumble in.

The shock of it.

The water up, up,
over ankles, calves
knees, clenched thighs,

up, up, over groin, waist
until there is nothing for it
but to fling myself forward
into its breath-stopping
embrace.

Beth Brooke

Beth Brooke is a retired teacher. She now lives in Dorset, close to the wonderful Jurassic Coast. Her debut collection is due to be published by Hedgehog Press next year.