the shimmer of sweat dries

the shimmer of sweat dries
leaving salt, evenly across my skin
i like the sting in my eyes
knees itch, nerves twitch

can i find that deep breath? 

that smell 

that sigh of relief- 

when my legs start feeling it

my heart is steady

i feel like a deer 

or an animal probably less graceful 

but belonging in the woods

with the mud, with the quiet

with the blur of summer

smoothing over me