Personal Narrative: A Fish Out Of Water

A Fish Out of Water

Swimming was something that I have always enjoyed starting from a post-toddler age it was my encouraging father that first plunged me into the deep abyss. No one ever taught me how to swim prior to this moment, it happened only through my natural instincts. To most swimming is an essential life skill but to me it was more than that. To me, it was a pleasure and the only escape from life and all the troubles of growing up, In my life I have spent many hours in bodies of water whether a river, a pool or even a bathtub. It didn’t matter. The feeling of coolness that runs through my veins as I feel the ocean encompassing every part of my body, the excitement and arousal this feeling gives me is unmatched by anything else

The shallow side is never enjoyable, no depth, no danger, no fun. There were four lanes in the pool divided by the floating markers, I was stationed in the first one closest to the inattentive spectators. Burning with confidence, I had a decent technique and an aptitude of flair in each aquatic movement my mind was ready and my desire for water was fulfilled. Cockiness consumed me at that moment as I looked down on my fellow classmates knowing that I was faster than them all. The room was relaxed but in my little world it was like a battlefield. This was due to my competitive nature and my desire to succeed

A sigh of relief pulsed through me as I limped out of the pool via the step ladder. I pounded my chest coughing up the bitter chlorine that remained in my system. I lowered my body onto the floor, overcame by my harrowing ordeal. My chest pumped, grasping for oxygen to replenish the energy I used in that brief amount of time. The other classmates made way for the showers unbeknownst to my presence, curled up on the floor. The teacher rushed to me. I couldn’t concentrate or make clear what he was saying to me, only hearing the white noise in my head, so I stayed still and silent. I mumbled that I was in pain multiple times to make clear my condition. He lifted me up to support me and guided me back to the changing rooms. I latched onto any handles or walls while everyone watched me waddle past the row of cubicles. I sat down next to my rucksack on the cold freezing bench, the temperature was the least of my worries. I closed my eyes and put myself into somewhat of a state of meditation I focussed my mind on a peaceful subject like green pastures or a clear blue sky to neglect all feelings of pain. My heart had not yet calmed to the neutral state that it should be, as any tranquil thoughts were distracted by the constant thumping bass