First Lesson
Lie back, daughter, let your headbe tipped back in the cup of my hand.Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the streamand look high at the gulls. A dead-man’s-float is face down. You will diveand swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrashto your island, lie up, and survive.As you float now, where I held youand let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:lie gently and wide to the light-yearstars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

~ Philip Booth