“You can swim!” They say as I dive right in,
The water so vast and cold on my skin.
Someone swiftly front crawls by,
On their way to meet the sky.
I flap and founder all about
Looking for a quick way out.
.
I’m not a swimmer, no not at all.
Not a backstroke braver, with arms up tall.
Not a breast stroke glider, determined head up,
Slowly making their way to the cup.
Too late I realise I can’t swim;
But of course, by then, I’m too far in.
.
So, I built myself a ship of wishes.
Made from the scales of silver fishes;
And swept along by winds of hope,
I strapped myself in with a sturdy rope.
Ambition that is bold and brave in the night
Has a habit of fading with the truth and the light.
.
Back in the water and all’s inky black
Thinking I’m done for I roll on my back
Up above me all about are sky scattered stars.
I realise then I don’t need to go far.
All this effort, what for? It’s not what it seems,
When I can float here alone in my sea of dreams.
E. Travelli 