Crew

A little lovely moment <3

Crew

I am flying soon to Philadelphia.
Traveling on my flight is the rowing team
from University of Washington,
headed to compete in the Nationals.
As we passengers stand at the gate,
I am surrounded by the athletes
adorned with shades of school pride,
lavender ties and grape colored socks.

Their chests fill navy blazers,
their thighs strain against tan chinos.
They are a head above,
a few wear white cowboy hats,
they have trophy gold rings
thick on their fingers.

I draw near as they assemble.
They are children,
tapping on a shoulder and looking away,
teasing one another about their seats,
playing on their phones.
They are Olympians, straight from the Colosseum,
laurel headed and loin clothed.
They are from Olympus itself, marble incarnate.
Their skin is bronzed from hours on the water,
their cheeks are pink with youth and good humor.

I lean into testosterone,
shake my hair and wet my lips.
I lean in, to their confidence,
like royalty they stride.
Into glassy water and breath
visible on cold mornings,
to sunsets reflected on Seattle skyscrapers,
into the smell of cedar,
lacquer and lake water.
I lean
I yearn,
toward coordination and timing,
bullhorn shouts for speed and balance.
Into sweat and success,
into purpose and yes.