The
Dare
white hot sand
scorches
bare, tender feet as we
run
then
t
u
m
b
l
e
down
to
STOP
abruptly
our toes seeking
solace
in the shocking icy brown
water
pungent, wet earth
tickles our noses
we cling to knobby knees
of cypresses
making our way to the
swimming hole
carefully skirting the
black serpent
sprawled in the sun at
the water's edge
Respecting his
privacy
hoping he will Respect
ours
reaching our
destination
we stare at the rocky
cliff on the other side
covered with bits of
springy green moss
water trickling down its
face
it stares back at
us
Daring us to brave the
river
for a
visit
we grin bright toothy
smiles at each other
and plunge
in
accepting
The
Dare
long, tan arms slice
through the water
ripples and splashes
follow my kicks
an Eternity
passes
until I reach
out
fingers touching moist
green moss
knee scraping against the
rock
underneath the
water
oblivious to the
pain
ecstatic in my
victory
over
The
Dare
Note: This one is
for my sister, Lisa, and all those
hot summer days we
spent
in the Alapahoochee
River.
 
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