There are so many rules
My daughter says:
When to jump
When to tread
When to flutter kick
When to swim in
When to swim out
When I should let go of her

Do this, do that,
I say
As I watch the water
And know
If I were alone
This is what I would do

So that the numbered hairs
On my head
Would stay dry.

I have taught her this:
If you stay light by giving in to the water,
The push of the wave toward the shore
Is stronger than the pull of the current
That would take her so far away

If you lift yourself up,
If you choose to be brought in.

It's all up to you.

I have taught her this:
Do you want to be here
Or elsewhere?
Swim or don't swim.

I can't choose for you.

But left to my own devices

I would ride the current

And call it good.