Of the lanky young is safe,

They have it whole. They can

Bounce it in their green swimming-pool,

Roll it from Jack with a yell to Joan,

It will never sink. Or school,

In the books the same floating truth.

Quick in fingers of kerchiefed wives

Working at house-linens and the first baby's skin,

It is precious but not safe, nor with priests.

Every move they make is risky.

Older we swim too little to dare go swimming,

And cannot be taught to read,

Not after all the water.

Oh and hanker to hear

What's said about us after we die.