When you are sleeping this is what I do, and this is why

Sally Goble
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

When you are sleeping I almost cry when the alarm goes off, always half an hour too early. Sometimes I make lame excuses that allow me to roll over again, ignoring the alarm, savouring the guilt-ridden extra minutes. Too often I do that. But on other days, when the alarm goes off waking up the good version of me – the no-bullshit, stubborn, determined me – I throw my arm out of the covers, punch the alarm off in disgust, and stumble out of bed.

I pull on a pair of old leggings and tee shirt on top of my swimming costume, grab my bags and clothes for the day, and slip quickly out of my flat. The drive is swift on roads that are still empty of traffic. A few delivery vans jostle and compete for the road as I head northward, but getting to my destination is quick and efficient.

While you are still sleeping I throw my bags onto the concrete poolside, and plop unceremoniously into the cool cool water and start to swim.

That first moment, after a night tossing and turning in a too-hot bed, is like drinking and drinking a long cold delicious glass of water. Such a relief, such a joy.

While you are still sleeping I swim smiling, glancing up at the blue sky marked as though with a painter’s broad brush, with long white arcs of vapour trails criss-crossing. I swim watching the little flock of parakeets performing their morning routine, swooping back and forth around the pool from treetop to treetop. I swim while the sun rises further and further until it’s above the level of the surrounding walls and finally, beautifully, it encompasses and warms the whole vast stainless steel expanse. I swim peeking underwater at pale wobbly legs and baggy shorts, at tanned torsos, at red lacquered toenails, and smart bikinis. Bodies dangling, suspended effortlessly in the water. I swim feeling cool and refreshed and relaxed, sparkling and invigorated. I swim feeling as happy as I could be.

While you are sleeping I have been to the very best place I know and filled myself full of joy and contentedness, ready for the day ahead.

Postcards from the pool

Life viewed from the water…

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Sally Goble

Written by

Swimmer, writer, eternal optimist

Postcards from the pool

Life viewed from the water…

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