The Purple Island

The smell of humidity in the air

lets us know we've arrived

Palm trees guide us down the road

The coral structure emerges on the left, 

I feel like I might explode from anticipation

Inside the lobby I am engulfed by the thick air, 

wearing it like a heavy winter coat.

The concrete burns under my feet as I run out to the docks

Gecko's escape from my path, 

avoiding my destructive steps 

The noise of boats clinking and clattering,

they rock back and forth against their buoys 

Every crevice of my body covered with icy pain

Salt has made a new home in my mouth

With every stroke I propel myself deeper 

The gradual change in temperature is welcomed by goosebumps

I explore the creatures under the sea, 

trying to find answers to my curiosity

My burnt skin is colored shades of pink, orange, and white

the same shades cover my freckled friends

Blistering shoulders cause me to retire early 

from the once comforting heat

Megan Gallagher