First Lesson

I never tire of reading this piece, which a good friend shared with me way back in high school.

I thought you might like it, too.

FIRST LESSON

Lie back, daughter, let your head

be tipped back in the cup of my hand.

Gently, and I will hold you.

Spread your arms wide, lie out on a stream

and look high at the gulls.

A dead man's float is face down.

You will dive and swim soon enough

where this tide water ebbs to sea.

Daughter, believe me,

when you tire on the long trash

to your island, lie up and survive.

As you float now, where I held you

and let go, remember when fear

cramps your heart what I told you:

Lie gently wide to the light year stars,

lie back, and the sea will hold you.