Version 1.Saved

say you're lost in water

pink rocks where waves simmer 
         deep rose when wet

water's so cold it burns your thighs
    the sand stirs, flares out

you can't quite see your feet
           bare and pale  
       thin as Christ's 

or say you're wearing boots
           black rubber, filling with water
                            dragging you down

say your lungs tighten in the freezing air
    shrink into pink popped balloons

say it starts to snow

or say you're at a party   
          in the deep end of the pool

in your bikini with the ruffles and the stars
          the birthmark 
on your left side
                like a meat-colored fig 

and say it's the moment the crickets start 
    a string of Japanese lanterns 
        vibrate in the breeze
                                
faces flash red and yellow
           in the deck chairs above you
and confetti 
        floats to your arms
         
           party candles crowd 
           the ceramic edges of the pool

say your ponytail catches fire and say 
you feel 
       a hand
            on the crown of your head 

say you go under and under


_____________

Version 2.

the deep end 


in your bikini with the ruffles and the stars

the moment the crickets start 
    a string of Japanese lanterns 
        vibrate in the breeze
                               
confetti 
        floats to your arms
         
           party candles crowd 
           their ceramic edges 

your ponytail catches fire 

       a hand
            on the crown of your head 

you go under and under