I.

When in last place in a race
I swim differently
flailing arms
tacking zig zag patterns
frantic yet unceasing
quitting unimaginable
less effort yields drowning
no give up

Instant replay wish
to grant myself serene childishness
re-conjure me up, fearlessly risk loss
scraped knee smiling learned something new
(not a modicum of knowledge
a fact wouldn’t do)

Strive higher (as big as learning to read)
re-conceive how I’ve seen
for the joy of possibility
for the challenge of overwhelm
for the it always gets better
belief of youth, don’t let it go
smooth stroke confident flow

II.

Reality drowns harder than a race
(and easier to fake)
no promises guaranteed
just attempting
to not shield oneself form attempting

Though someone somewhere is winning
(she looks nicer, he got a promotion)
I am fine after all

All days are beautiful
rethought clouds