The Handstand

Nose pinched 
Lungs filled 
Head plunges in 

Beneath the surface 
Hands plant firmly on 
The swimming pool floor 
Arms straighten 
Testing unproven strength 
Stomach pulls in taut 
Cheeks puff out 

Above the surface 
Toes point skywards 
Legs jut out strong 
Muscles strain 
As they hold position 
One… two… three… 

Poolside tourists with 
Jaws dropped open 
Peer over sunglasses 
At huge wet white thighs 
Standing proud 
Defying gravity 
Defying social norms 

It is the first of its kind: 
A pop-up human landmark 
Glistening under the Turkish sun