The buzz of cicadas blends
With the electricity in the pool house.
A breeze blows slowly-
The summer heat making even the air lethargic.
The stage is set.
The concert begins with a steady beat:
A patient parent persists
In a lap lane
Steadily smacking the water:

splash-splash-breathe

splash-splash-breathe

A whole rest as he reaches the wall,
Flip-turn,
Repeat.

The monotonously dissonant chorus
Of children’s voices becomes louder.
Engaged in their seasonal call and response,
Accented only by the shrill cry of the child almost caught.
“Marco”
“Polo”
“Marco”
“Polo”
No rest,

Repeat.