By the Pool

in three afternoons
i watch my kids
flourish in the swimming pool
(like spring this year)
all wet
and on fast-forward.

they're learning by games
not instruction -
the simple freedom
to figure it out.

their porpoising and laughter
is sweet relief
a kind of nostalgia:
summers with my grandparents,
blue-lipped cousins,
and the solid red-brick warming pan
of the garage wall.

and also a distraction
from my dross thoughts
gloomy and tired
as a daggy, grubbed up jumper

i take on the role
of photographer
and cheer them on
glad to hitch a ride
to innocence.