Taking My Son Swimming Again

Push off

Old enough to go on his own

But new place

New language so I sit

Breathe

Eyes smarting from the chemicals

Other parents relieved

To return to fruit ninja

Breathe

Fruit tetris

Fruit of their loins

Encased in chlorinated blue

Breathe

Fruitful week behind them

Stretching out in front

Hardly noticing

Breathe

Wood warmed by tax contributions

And a reluctant sun

His shoulders

Breathe

I hope/fear will be broader than mine

We will go together next week

His hands meet end tile

Breathe

Written by Martin Cathcart Frödén.

Cover photo by Clark Tai.