Splash

Julye Huggins

When we were young
and had to learn how to swim,
they placed us in the shallow end
near a sign that said:
"NO SPLASHING"

We drifted aimlessly like the rest,
following their instructions
yet always wondering why
we had to be so
subtle and passive.

Do you remember the day
when we cast off our floaters
and went over to the deep end
before they told us
we were able to?

Do you remember the day
when we held our breaths
while peeking at what lay below the surface
and we got in trouble for
disturbing the water?

I remember the day
when I was floating beside you,
I noticed that you were sinking
and you did not struggle
as you faded away.

Alone now, wondering what secrets
you keep beneath this wet desert
for it must be
a wonderful place down there because
you never came back.

Floating, like the rest
of the stagnant purposeless sheep,
I yearn to dive in deep with you
and make the final
SPLASH!