breathe
oxygen
for they must grow gills
to become one with water
and none with air, to have
nostrils sewn shut for speed;
to decrease water resistance.
cry
underwater
for this is not a saltwater pool
and our tears will be eaten
by chlorine and slapped
away by flippers. It is a waste
not to be wasted.
eat
food
for it makes them sink
with an aching cave that holds
them to the ground and keeps
them from moving forward
and upward and deeper.
Don’t get lapped.
You’re not allowed to.
