At the height of the day, when the light is right and the breeze is light, the pool can play tricks on one.
The sunlight, glistening off the little ripples.
The heat, rising in waves from the surrounding cement.
The green of the leaves, still bright, still tender.
The slight shimmer of chlorine, mingled with the lingering scent of shampoo from newly-wet hair, and a tinge of coconut lotion. It brings to mind the refreshing over-the-top pineapple-garnished curvy glass of a pina colada.
Like clouds of cream swirling in a crystal goblet, so does a gauzy white length of fabric wrap itself around the limbs. Water and cloth, sun and air – the simplest of elements, but taken together how simplicity can soar. A sensual tug to aqua depths, the quick intake of breath before diving under, and the arch of a back like a porpoise with purpose.
This is summer by the pool.
