I learned how to flip turn at the pool the other day.
I got water up my nose. Missed the wall. Dove too deep.
I learned anyway.
I told myself I was too old. Too out of practice. Too set in the other way.
I learned anyway.
I played in the water. It was fun.
Like when I was a kid and my sister and I did somersault after somersault. Dive after dive. Cannon ball after cannon ball.
Pretending I could do water ballet. Or even better, that I was a mermaid.
I let my adult mind chatter away… While I played and learned something new.
The lifeguard coached me. My friend encouraged me.
I played.
Kept at it even though I failed, initially.
I keep at it even though the very next day I got water up my nose. Missed the wall. Dove too deep.
I commit to keep playing.
Amen.
** Much gratitude to Bart, a lifeguard at the Montclair Y, for being such a skilled and patient teacher. And appreciation to my dear friend Rita for the inspiration and encouragement. xoxo
Eloiza Jorge 
So good. I used to be on the swim team in hs, and I haven’t done a flip turn in YEARS. I’m not sure I still could. My friend Carla has been swimming, and I keep saying I’ll go too. This has put another fire under my flippers to get going. Gotta buy some goggles though. And a swim cap. Then I’m going to try to do a flip turn.