Spring Swim

At long last, Spring is almost here.

Ice no longer covers the Allegheny.

Though only tiny buds appear on trees,

And a few green blades begin to show.

Summer is still six weeks away.

Saturday morning and a bright hot sun

And the rivers edge is now crowded

With a crew of young boys, large and small

Prepared to enjoy the first Summer swim.

For this crowd of boys, Summer is now

As the Allegheny is cleared of its wintry ice.

Knowing fully well of that water’s nip,

The boys dared each other to be the first in.

Finally came that call, “Last one in is a scared

Kitty cat!” Then came one gigantic splash

And all were in, except for one

Lone skinny tad who is still in fear

Of his ability to swim. The shame heaped

Upon his skinny frame caused his older brothers

To carry him to a low spot away from shore.

Then swam away to force him to attempt to swim.

The bitter cold chattered his teeth

Till in sheer desperation, he lunged

Towards the shore swimming so furiously

That he was crawling on the shore

Still thrashing arms and legs.

So exhilarated was he at this feat

He remembered that Summer as his best.