As the summer ends in a mere two weeks, I want to share two poems I wrote while sitting at our public pool with my oldest grandchildren. My time brought back many memories of my own children there and created new ones with their children. And it wasn’t so long ago that I was doing the splashing while my great grandfather sat in the shade watching our memories.
POOL POETRY
Splashing chemicals amplify vocal fun
In the rectangle water splendor of the blue depth
Space invaded by towels and bragging youth
I glimpse with a longing to a fleeting peace.
As I sit being the adult in a comfortable blue chair
Trying to squeeze a few words out
Between voices of hello, inquiry, or joking
I reflect that that was once me.
When I was full of mischief and wonder
And I enjoyed every moment of it—even now.
PUBLIC POOL YOUTH
They gather in groups
Gossiping, judging, and peering outward
Laughter speckles their words
Motions are meant to draw attention
Embarrassment high, manners forgotten
They fight each other with a new-found rebellion
Words carry out to adults laced in challenge
But a voice of reason tampers that down
Energy high
Expectations higher
Egotism highest
In a broken-up conversation with unmatched replies
All in adolescence wonder…
Are public pool activities of the youth.
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Embrace your inner child with a book of poetry! D.L. Finn
Wow! You did such a great job of portraying youngsters at a public pool, Denise. I could hear their laughter and see their embarrassed attempts at flirting or getting another’s attention. Fantastic!
Thanks, Jan:) It was fun watching all the interactions and remembering that age, too.
Loved both poems, Denise. In the first, I feel melancholy at how the scene recalls a time in your youth. In the second, it’s more of a comfortable observation, reflection at how youth eventually matures.
eden
Thank you Eden. I felt different emotions sitting by the pool, but all good ones.
Excellent, Denise. Fitting for end of summer and pools.
Thanks, John. Almost time for fall.
Yup.
Great poems, Denise. They remind me of playing with my daughter in splashing water. What a joy!
Thank you, Miriam:) It is a joy to remember those special moments.
It is. I said my daughter swam like a fish. 🙂
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These poems invoked such a longing for those days gone by. I smile as I remember my daughter’s excited and happy chatter whenever we visited the pool. I too have the joy of watching her now interact with her own sweet child. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Denise. These poems are wonderful.
Thanks, Soooz. The excitement of summer and those days by the pools are such wonderful memories. We are very lucky to be there for the next generation’s exploration of it, too!
Thanks for sharing Dense. I enjoyed both poems and it made me smile when I think back to taking my own children to swim with friends and family.
I’m glad they brought a smile and good memories bsck, Lizxie:)
Very nice. Hard to believe summer is almost over.
It really is hard to believe. Joan!
Beautiful. I love the line: ,Laughter speckles their words., 🙂
Thank you. Kevin:)
A lovely set of poems, Denise. I especially like the second one, where you’ve captured childhood and early adolescence. The images are rich and vivid.
Thank you, Rob. I had planned on writing some poetry but was easily side tracked with all that was going on around me and I went with that.
They’re lovely, Denise.
“As I sit being the adult in a comfortable blue chair…” That’s a mouthful. So many images, Denise.
It is a mouthful, Jacqui as was that moment. I realized I was no longer the one splashing around but watching:)
Both of those brought back memories of my summers spent at a public pool, Denise, especially as a child. You really captured the essence of those days. Great job!
Thanks, Mae! It was surreal to be back there. It brought back a lot of memories for me. Glad it did the same for you:)
Hi, Denise! Great summer poems! I get very vivid imagery from these and lots of memories of my cousins and me splashing around in public pools, growing up in NYC. Well done! 😀 xo
Thanks, Vashti! I love these brought back some good memories for you in NYC:) It made me a bit nostalgic for those carefree days of summer. xo
Your end of summer poems had me remembering when… I can see and hear it all as if only yesterday! <3
Thanks, Bette! I felt the same way sitting there and remembering. I’m with you it does feel like yesterday!
You nailed pool life. I love your poetry:)
Awe thanks Sandra:)
Such lovely poems, Denise. It reminds me of my childhood too. We swim a lot in South Africa and have a long swimming season too.
Thanks, Robbie:) There is something magical about summer memories and swimming!
Wonderful poetry, Denise. Once again, I lived vicariously, through your words.
Thanks Mark:)
Just stopped by to say hey and have a pleasant evening:)
Thank you Sandra:) Yes it was! Hope your was, too.
Love these, Denise! What a great snapshot in time for summer. Alas, summer is almost over, and I swear it was just the fourth of July, wasn’t it? 😀
Thanks, Julie! I know what you mean about summer zooming by:)