The screensaver that popped up on my workplace computer each morning from 2010 to 2014 was an image of the Marina Bay Sands, a world-class hotel in Singapore. Each workday, I saw the 56-story hotel’s three towers lift its infinity pool into the sky - like three brawny pals hoisting a longboat overhead.
As an ardent swimmer, I’d picture myself stepping into the pool, tightening my googles over my eyes and setting off across the sky pool’s 150 meters. With a downward-facing, freestyle stroke, I’d turn my head to the right with every other breath to glimpse city skyscrapers and bay and, with a backstroke on my return, I’d be one with the sky. I have practice in the latter since swimming the first of thousands of laps in the pools of sunny St. Petersburg, Florida.
Until I retired from a career as a writer in a corporation, I logged on to peer at that mesmerizing screensaver.
Although my husband, artist Vincent Mancuso, and I are globe trotters, serendipity must intervene if I am to stick my painted toes into the pool. The hotel’s $437 per night best rate is daunting and would represent an historic stretch for our travel budget. And, there's the matter of getting to and from Singapore.
Still, should the universe conspire for our good, we could justify a one-night stand on the basis of a decade-old desire. We have noticed merry happenstance often materializes to drop us off on distant shores.
And, if my bold toes never find their way into that pool, I may console myself that the swim occurred in my mind’s eye every day in a Florida office cubicle because I had happened upon that enchanting image.
* * *
View a brief video of the sky pool at the Marina Bay Sands
Corroborating evidence:
A Passion
by Reggie Morrisey (circa 2010)
I swim beneath
the setting moon,
lap by lap,
put in the yards.
Despite what err
a day will bring,
a client's groan?
a boss' bark?
I swim beneath
the rising stars.
The day is gone,
the office left.
What's done is done.
It's made its mark.
I shake off
shivers of regret.
And here beneath
the mid-day sun,
I close my eyes.
I shield my skin.
My mind is calm.
My heart beats strong.
As long as I may
have my swim.
* * *
Painted Toes at Rest