Daring Childhood Games

Prose Poetry

The innocent voice inside my head commands. " I dare you"

I had been warned not to chance a
swimmers lap across the twelve foot inground pool,
While big sister indulged in an afternoon nap.

Pausing to look afar the distance of the pool,
A challenge awaited me at the other end.
The diving board suspended in mid air,
images of Steven, Jacob and Tommy
dressed as trapeze performers
faded away as the sunlight blocks my way.
Earlier that day I watched
as they leaped and somersaulted
into the pool. I wanted their approval,
but they were no where in sight.

Stepping into shallow water first,
I began practicing what I would do.
My mind fearless and daring
began recording this memorable event.
I tried to pause all thoughts of the warning,
but it was still audible in my ears.
The only thing left to do was psych myself up.
Nothing was going to stop me
from playing this daring game.

My conscience kept crying chlorinated
tears, letting out a long breath,
my diaphram pushed deep in,
abdominal muscles held tight,
holding my breath I began to swim.
I moved my legs up and down,
keeping my mouth closed,
Deeper, deeper, farther
I swam, my arms stilled to my sides.
I began to lose strength, could no
longer hold my breath.
Struggling to keep swimming
my body began forcing me down.
Waving my arms forward, back,
spining like an exercise at gym class.
The weight of the water pushing against
my arms I was drowning. Allowing the water
to conquer me would mean a defeat.
The will to live grew stronger
as I continued to move my hands and legs. At the
edge of the pool I began coughing and gasping for
air.

I managed to pull myself up. My gait was
off as I laid back on a pool chair. Drumming
sounds of an overwhelmed child beating against
my chest. Never would I mention this
memorable childish game to anyone.

By. Vanessa Ramos