Draft 016 / bravery

He stood in line with all the others
practicing their step ins to the deep end,
but when it came to his turn, I could almost see the knots forming in his tiny stomach.

It’s OK.

He nods when I suggest another way.
Looking into my eyes as I count and
together take an exaggerated gulp of air
- I hope
that looking back, he’ll remember the
releasing of bubbles around us, feeling
held, and a triumph of his bravery.