the Upside Down

Open eyes to an artificial blue,
though the water stings, the view is clear.
Clear down to the bottom
where the key winks and is not easily retrieved.

With half a breath, I fumble with the fetters.
Only one is unlocked but it is enough to be free.
Water filled ears pop to
her and him speaking in a vacuum,
surface breaks to their delight.

I slip from the pool with chains a-jangle,
jingling, leaving footprints behind on
the smooth tile to sizzle in the sun.

Chlorine is overridden by the drunk
and I drink. Suck her lemon laced kiss
while his is tequila with salt on the rim
of his ear where I exhale, "your turn".
And I don't mean the handcuff trick.


- a nod to Houdini from the 5 Senses Poem Challenge.