Swimming The shivers go down my back with fright I made sure my goggles and cap were on tight I went up on the block I listened for "Swimmers take your mark"   As I heard those very words I bent my back, and curled my toes Then in position I froze "Beep" went the buzzer   Then, I flew into the air I splashed into the water without a care I moved my arms fast Then, I took a breath of air, which was not my last   I took more strokes, trying to beat the clock I was almost there at the block I curled and flipped I pushed off the wall, using my legs and hips   I kicked my legs so there was a splash I was at the finish in a flash As I looked at the clock to see my time I was so happy I got a 1:09   My eyes saw joy, that you could not explain My practice and pain, I guess showed off I climbed out of the pool and with a little cough   A smile came from my mouth That showed a way of happiness, That is hard to explain   Just swim and you'll see Joy and Happiness is the way to be   Ashley Burns, 1998