Lake
Little hands arrow
toward the water,
toes tempting the dock’s edge.
Lean forward, I say.
A little further, I urge.
You can do it my brave boy.
Wide eyes watch—
trusting ,
determined.
In one bold movement
he takes flight
and dives.
My eyes watch—
attentive,
alert.
Making sure I
have taught him
how to swim.
His world grows
as he stands
toes tempting the edge of life.
Filled with first
dates, college,
job, apartment,
love, heartbreak,
disappointment, joy.
Lean forward, I say.
A little further, I urge.
You can do it my brave boy.
He dives in.
And I hope
I have taught him
how to swim.