Swimming Evolution

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.