First Swim Lessons

My hands were playing nervously in the crystal clear water.

I was sitting on the pool steps of
the Springfield Gymnastics and Aquatics Center.

I was thinking about how much I think I'm going to stink.

"Come on up, Isabel.", said my instructor, Kelsey, disrupting my thoughts.

I walked out in the water.

When my teacher let go I felt a rush of panic,
"Oh no! I can't swim!" thought half of my mind.
"Calm down, Isabel. You can do it." thought the other half.

This fight of thoughts kept going until my arms started to flash wildly and I was kicking serverely trying to keep afloat the water.

I was splashing everyone in sight!

I tried taking a gulp of air, my chest felt stuffy.
I felt the pool bottom scraping my feet,
my hands trying to jerk myself over and into the air.

I swallowed a mouthful of pool water instead of fresh air.

Kelsey tapped my back and told me to get up.

I cane out of the water, smiling sheepishly,
face red hot as a tomato thinking
"Please don't laugh at me! This is my first time!"

But the kids were laughing so loud it filled the room.
I went back to the steps quietly.
My legs were sore from franticly kicking,
arms aching from trying to hard to keep on top of the water.

Now I've told you my most regrettable story I have,

so far...