Swim Lessons
Brad Kavo
For weeks, I waded with her,
extending a steady hand
under her belly
as she kicked and reached
for the inflatable fish
meant to entice her
across the pool.
She’s young, but
learning to swim strengthens
the heart, they say.
Today is her first lesson alone,
and as I sit dry on the deck
exhausted, watching
her splash and smile
like a seal,
she disappears.
I hold my breath and
shut my eyes against the bends.
When we reemerge,
I breathe and repeat to myself,
Swim lessons strengthen
the heart.
extending a steady hand
under her belly
as she kicked and reached
for the inflatable fish
meant to entice her
across the pool.
She’s young, but
learning to swim strengthens
the heart, they say.
Today is her first lesson alone,
and as I sit dry on the deck
exhausted, watching
her splash and smile
like a seal,
she disappears.
I hold my breath and
shut my eyes against the bends.
When we reemerge,
I breathe and repeat to myself,
Swim lessons strengthen
the heart.
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Brad Kavo is a high school English teacher of American literature, British literature, creative writing, and film. Over the past sixteen years, he has helped students focus on literary analysis and writing. A graduate of Penn State University, he now lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and children and enjoys photography, writing, and traveling. His debut chapbook, Butterflied, was winner of the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Chapbook Series by Lines + Stars Press, and his poetry has appeared and is forthcoming in journals such as Ninth Letter, The Notre Dame Review, Lines + Stars, WLA, Gray Sparrow Journal, and others.
Social Media Instagram: @bradkavo Instagram: @bradkavophotography |
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