New poem

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