Lie back daughter, let your head <br />be tipped back in the cup of my hand. <br />Gently, and I will hold you. Spread <br />your arms wide, lie out on the stream <br />and look high at the gulls. A dead- <br />man's float is face down. You will dive <br />and swim soon enough where this tidewater <br />ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe <br />me, when you tire on the long thrash <br />to your island, lie up, and survive. <br />As you float now, where I held you <br />and let go, remember when fear <br />cramps your heart what I told you: <br />lie gently and wide to the light-year <br />stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.<br /><br />Philip Booth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/first-lesson/
