Work Text:
Breathe
by Matt
Inhale.
Stroke, stroke, stroke stroke...
And inhale...filling the lungs to capacity. Slowly, methodically, controlled.
Stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke...
Inhale and keep the body moving resolutely forward, always forward, unceasingly, strong arms and muscled legs syncronized and attuned.
Stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke...
Empty the mind, concentrate on the concise, repetative action, the movement, the simplicity of driving the body forward, toward no real destination but...
Inhale and breathe, stay alive, keep going through the motions, pretend it all makes sense. Tune everything out but the feel of the water gliding over skin, the fine hairs displaced by chlorinated liquid, and the terrible, terrible ache housed deep within the chest.
Stroke...stroke...
And breathe...to stay alive, to live another day, and to see this one end. Go through the motions, pretend it means something, and never let them see you falter. Never let them see...
Stroke...
Never let them see the hurt, the disillusionment, and the weariness. Keep up the facade, stay afloat, don't let the constant tug of emotions pull you under because...beneath the surface is death.
Touch the wall. Turn. Begin again and...
Breathe...
Breathe...
Breathe...
end