She paces back and forth

timid

small

dry

tiny perfect curves in miniature form

not yet marked by time and cellulite and responsibility

just jump

mom says

and I will catch you

her face crumples into a scowl of uncertainty

back & forth

back & forth

she paces

a nervous bird

big pink rings circle little tan arms

causing her to look like a creature about to take flight

wings spread to the wind

the coaxing continues for minutes… tens of minutes

jump to me

mom says

just jump

I promise you won’t sink

back & forth

back & forth

finally, when I am almost sure it never will

a new look crosses her face

something primal and wild

bravery?

madness?

trust?

she spreads those tiny tan arms

and she jumps from the pool’s edge

 

after that

she can’t stop jumping

 

Danville, Pennsylvania, 7 July 2014

 

 

 

 

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