A Rock Under Water Dreams of Swimming
By Sue Cowing
The ocean has made me round and smooth
like the others, but unlike them
I am not steady. Long is not long to me.
Each time a wave pours over my head
I rock a bit. A rock who can rock,
even a little, can dream.
Soon. Yes, soon this restless water
will lift me up from my bed
and out to sea. I have no wish
to lie for ages near the shore
in heavy patience, wearing away.
Swimming is what I’m destined for.
Imagine floating over the floor
to touch each thing underwater
lightly, as the butterfly fish brush me.
Dance of water, carry me with you,
let me sway on invisible feet!
My one resolve is to move. My prayer:
Do not leave this stone unturned.
There now, I’m sure
I loosened just a little more.
Cricket Magazine, July 2004