Think “swim” and most likely memories will be conjured of sweltering summer days made better by the cold bliss of a swimming pool. You can picture the neon pool noodles floating around you and hear the shouts of “Marco” and “Polo” cutting through the warm air. Or maybe you’re less literal, and the word induces thoughtful musings of swimming against the tide, being in the deep end, or swimming in an ocean of work. For SixContest #156, we want to know what you think when you think “swim.”

Do you have nostalgia and long for past summers spent by the ocean? Tell us about the time you went swimming with sharks — or the fierce equivalent in your everyday life. Are you swimming in a sea of sorrow or a pool of possibility? Jump in and share whatever “swim” means to you in six words.

If you'd like to share a backstory (we love reading them!), be sure to submit your entry as a Six and include the link to the Backstory in the comments below. Share as many stories as you like, but do post only one entry per comment.

Remember to tag us and include #SwimminginSix when posting your Six Words to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.