I wander by the water's edge, waiting 
for you to splash haphazardly in 
with no inhibitions. Only then will I trust 
enough to let the shallows lap at the tip 
of my big toe. An inch of bare skin 
is skinny-dipping in my mind. I watch 
the ripples cascade down your bare back. 
I want to swim to you. I want to. 
I can't. I never could. You tried to teach me, 
but nereids thieved my breath every time 
I touched. Such a lovely, muscled, strong back. 
Some days you carry me over the currents, 
and I imagine I fly. I always knew I could.