“smack” Poem by Bill Grace

Among athletes
the divers have the best idea
in all applauding
those who “smack.”

This pink badge of distinction
is awarded
upon the occasion
of a more horizontal
than vertical entry
into water’s slowing domain,
the applause
almost always
spontaneous.
The ease
or complexity of the dive
is not the issue,
the pain of misadventure
being known by all.

In this act I find
a hope for the world,
RELATIONSHIP -
celebrated,
in the antics of her young.