Polar Plunge

A poem I wrote after doing my first polar plunge on New Year's Day.

It is the first of the year.
A new beginning.
I am entering the cold.
The decision was impetuous, hot.
Others have made the same decision.
So many others.
My wife, my children support me.

A crucible of fire burns on shore.
The flames consuming last year’s dreams, regrets.
The anticipation is always stronger than the moment.
We fear what is to come.
Then we fear what has passed.
Only the present brings clarity.
Only the cold removes doubt.
I am in.
I am fully in.
All the way from the bottom of my soles.
To the top of my crown.
I am in.

I am out.
I am fully out.
The cold was not as I had feared.
The fire is still there.
My wife, my children bring warmth.
The next challenge remains.
The cold will call again.