Swimming Evolution
As a child I swam
with my brother and sister
at the city pool.
It was our
summer vacation way
to keep cool.
.
At one o'clock
the gate would open.
The kids would file in.
Towels were spread out
on a patch of grass,
and the fun would begin.
We splashed,
we swam, we played tag,
and we raced for plastic rings.
We dove
for marbles, pennies,
and other shiny things.
At the top of the hour
the lifeguards
would all blow their whistles loud.
We scrambled out of the water
and to the snack bar,
trying to beat the crowd.
During the break, we dined like kings
on frozen candy bars
and potato chips.
We never once worried
that what crossed our lips
would pad our hips.
Now, when I swim,
it's in the pool
in my own back yard.
I can swim any time I want.
I don't need a lifeguard
or a membership card.
But I dog paddle like an old lady--
partly floating on a pool noodle
to keep my head high,
because I want to leave my glasses on
so I can see,
and I want to keep my hair dry.
