SWIMMING

From crying when water was splashed on her face to diving in with wander to her capability. As parents it’s so interesting what we individually perceive as necessary for survival. Next step - ocean skills for navigating the wild that is life.

to teach you to swim
.
i decide it is survival
and
you cry
enough tears
to fill the depth 
you are nervous
to face 
whatever is beneath 
wishing you could 
bring the under 
up
. 
i persist the adversity
and
you cling
but the calm confidence 
let’s go
trusting your struggle
will 
get met with 
“i can do it” 
and then 
“i did it” 
.
i am proud
and
you glide 
a joyful freedom 
drowns fear quiet
towards the edge of safety 
through the foreign landscape 
grip slightly relaxed
mouth smiling shut
eyes wide open 
to what sparkles beyond 
and below
.