Sardine Lake

The wind has a chill edge
I knot my hair and strip fearlessly
feeling nothing
the bog bouncing back up
in my footprints
like ripe dough
feet squishing sulphurous mud

It would have been easier
if it were deeper
or bottom lined with jagged rocks

Eventually I take the plunge
splash out and back
into the icy water
exhilaration comes later
call it survival