Swimming Underwater

Can't remember if I took this photo or my brother-in-law, Tom Ackerman, took it. It's my ex-husband with our daughter, who took to swimming like a tadpole at only two years old.

Some days it's hard to love

the world. Old friends reject you.

Nations threaten nuclear annihilation.

Neighbors go to church every Sunday

and abuse the waitresses at lunch.

Move forward, even if it seems impossible,

even if you're no longer steady on your feet.

Appreciate the woman at the checkout line who

insists I go ahead of her.

The old lady in the produce section

who shared opinions on the best fruit.

Try to forget the ones who see you

but no longer speak.

Focus on the ones

who do, and remember there is good

in people and bad. There is cowardice.

There are grudges. There is bravery.

There is love. There is forgiveness. Sometimes.

Smile at the little girl staring up

from her mama's skirts, afraid of my white

skin. Smile at her and tell her she is beautiful

and bathe in her coy smile.

Nod at the homeless man

at the entrance to the store,

and when he asks if I can spare a little money,

give him more than he expected.

It's cold outside and wet.

Try not to grieve the living dead.

Just move as though through water

Each time someone pushes you under,

remember you can swim and breathe the air,

even if it burns.