Swimming Lessons

Minnows and their moms
hurry in           no running
no floaties         they bob
in the shallow end     feet
lighter than the air    outside
humid hot     hold your nose
dunk     then    sleek heads
break water       gasp in air
guppies swam earlier
tread water     flutter kick
breathe       breathe
pollywogs slipped home
to naps by now     lily pad
blankets pulled        over
still damp hair    barely green
this one dogpaddles slowly
dreaming next year
she will be        a bluegill
a dolphin        flying fish
her mother poolside with
towels       her unread book
watching     wings unfurled.