swimming the channel

you tell your girlfriend
margaret, that you have
decided to swim
the english channel,
but first you must decide
on what stroke you'll
use. back stroke,
the butterfly, perhaps
a little dog paddle in
the mix. it's cold
and choppy and when
you get there, the cuisine
stinks. so maybe you'll
pack a lunch and
seal it in a waterproof
bag. dried fruits
might be a good snack
along the way. some
bananas to keep you
from cramping.
at night you imagine
the long swim,
you kick your legs in
bed and throw your
arms forward in a free
style motion. this wakes
up margaret though,
and she smacks you
on top of your head
which is covered with
a bathing cap. what
the hell is wrong with
you, she says, breaking
your rythmn.