Swimming

BEEP
I dive into the pool from the block.
GO! SPRINT! I hear from the crowd.
My arms start to ache,
I turn off the wall,
My energy starts fading,
A few more strokes.

BAM!  I throw my hands into the wall,
Sixth place, fifty yards butterfly, I think
As I look up at the scoreboard.
I take off my goggles
And cap in exhaustion.
I added two seconds.

As I get out of the pool, I tell myself
I will do better next time.
Swimming, I say breathlessly, such a delight,
To those who can persevere,
Even when they fail.

by Jennifer Muraoka
5th grade, ‘Iolani School