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First Lesson by Philip Booth

10/15/2008 8:23:38 PM
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Philip Booth
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First Lesson
 
  Lie back daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

Philip Booth


Read poems about / on: daughter, believe, sea, remember, fear, light, heart, swimming, star

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Comments about this poem (First Lesson by Philip Booth)  more comments >>
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Reshma Ramesh (9/24/2008 4:00:00 AM)
wow! ! this is too good
Shan Demmings (9/17/2007 9:05:00 PM)
It explains that learning from adult experiences can keep you from making the same mistakes. The island is the symbol in this poem instructing the girl. The island is teaching the child everything she needs to know. It also symbolizes someone teaching someone everything they need to know for adult hood

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10/15/2008 8:23:38 PM. You Are Here: First Lesson by Philip Booth

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