Night Swimming

Sudden summer night swimming,

means good times are brimming,

the star wind can be cool,

but this river is warm like an old thermal pool.

Generally, a sandbar or dock

will support the echo

of gleeful splash shock.

But, underappreciated

in my personal view,

is the lack of water animals

who see me as chew.

Like all forested areas

one still must show care,

but few places in the world,

during summer seem so safe—

gratefully, the danger so rare.

No poisonous snakes

to swim with me,

nor below the water,

dangers from critters brew.

So, tonight I will swim free

from the willow hugged riverbank,

in this small, open clearing

to wash the new-chanced sand

from between my safe toes.

With a fast, out-of-the-gate, running dive,

Doppler effect in full stride,

I will announce my arrival,

then after a leisurely and joyful stay,

I will let the full blue moon

lighthouse my way back

to the welcoming shore.