Courtway Natatorium
reflowed lake
pumped out of
manmade reservoir,
diluted to the PH
of human tears bodies
displace liquid volume
as ROTC cadets invade
the college swimming pool
outfitted in full regalia,
take stabs at scaling
steps leading to
a 12-foot drop,
at the water’s edge,
weapon extended
above his head
walk the plank
shock the pool
armed privates fall in
backwards with a bump,
soldiers slog down lanes
as rows of tweens
on the municipal team
finish flip turns
below the surface
a PFC treads eggbeaters,
the rubber-capped senior
in the adjacent lane
neck deep in water cure
