The water wraps around my toes

fear slowly flows over me
getting closer as I slide in.

More kids start to jump in

I need encouragement from the deck

I know what comes next:
My least favorite part of the day.

The other kids look so happy,
so comfortable,
so safe.

My teacher is next to me now
and I freeze with the words I know he’ll say.
“It’s time to get a little deeper,
no floats this time.”

Knees try to give out,
but I won’t let my face go under
I try to leave,
but can’t stand the scornful eyes

The class is almost over
and I am still on the wall
I know he’ll come talk to me
but the fear won’t let me move.