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.