The Journey Inward

Not long after sunrise, 
My kayak slid into the water,
Surrounded by a dozen others,
Paddling slowly out to our buoys,
Along the swim portion of the triathlon course.

With each stroke, 
I moved farther away from shore,
From the pulsating music,
Shouting DJ, public announcements,
My eyes set on the vast expanse of the glassy lake.

A lake at sunrise,
A thing of peace, tranquility,
Serenity, solitude, and silence,
So restorative, soothing, calming,
A place to regulate my mind and body.

And then the gun fires,
And the swimmers plunge in,
Colored caps bobbing above the placid surface,
All headed in my direction, 
The half mile turnaround point.

I paddle in place,
Shouting out words of encouragement,
Redirecting off course swimmers,
My boat providing a brief respite from their effort,
I am water support.

I remember my races,
Before the injuries,
Before the pain and soreness,
Before the decision to ease up,
And I am at peace with my contribution.

Photo:  Lake Nockamixon, PA.  8.4.24 by LA