Morning Swim, Naked
after “I was thinking how it all hits different now, but also how lucky I am that I’ve lived so long…” from Transactions with Beauty by Shawna Lemay, ‘I’m Just A Soul’, post July 12
I give in easily
after hauling the garbage bins back to the side of the house
swatting flies and smelling the thick heat rising from the dewy grass
after smacking the filter basket against the side of the pool, pulling
soaked mimosa blooms like pink-dyed hair from the tight weaves
dropping in a chlorine puck (burning my nostrils from the sharp smell)
I grab an orange towel, dried by moonlight, and walk up the steps to
the pool deck. I look around. don’t see eyes or bodies or birds, even
so I squat, lift the blue linen dress off, and plunge into the cool water
I give in easily
thinking how it all hits different now, but also how lucky I am that
I’ve lived so long, and I pull off my undies, my mini-pad expanding
like a love song, toss them on the edge, and mermaid under water
feeling it kiss my skin, more love songs, arias slipping inside my
giving in, easily, silk-like
FIRST HEART TOUR STOP THIS SATURDAY IN SARNIA!
Come on by the Love Buzz Cafe in Sarnia, and join me for a reading and book signing! If you know anyone in Sarnia, please tell them I’ll be heart-stopping by!
NEXT WINDSOR HEART STOP – FORD CITY LIT NIGHT! @ SERENITY CAFE – WED. JULY 22 – OPEN MIC!
Wanna be part of the open mic?! Simply show up and sign up OR email Karen and she’ll add you to the list! karenmorand@gmail.com
We love an audience, so join us for an entertaining and inspiring literary extravaganza! Entrance the Serenity Cafe is on Whelpton Street. Parking is available on the street, and on Drouillard. The cafe is inside New Song Church. All are welcome to this free event!
NEW STOP ADDED TO HEART TOUR! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2026 – UNITY SPIRITUAL CENTRE, WINDSOR
I’m very excited to engage with my dear friend Mariette Jones in conversation about creative courage! We look forward to sharing this conversation with you!
VANESSA SHIELDS 