first touch of water

is shocking

it’s colder than you think 

it’s going to be

but you’re held

and in that

warmth

throughout

your bones 

your skin

muscles

marrow

consuming you to the core

at the same time as 

the surface shiver

jolts you awake

teeth chattering 

and yet you feel warm inside

though you crouch inward

hugging yourself 

you feel the binding warmth

and you don’t want to let go

but you do

exposed once again

to the cold

brightness of the world

and you exhale 

shake it off

relaxed as you stand up

without shivering 

without the experience of cold

as you look forward to meet 

the world