A Frog, a Shooting Star and a Pencil
are standing on the edge of the pool
waiting for the Coach to tell them
which one can jump in first.

The Frog isn’t listening. It’s too busy
waving at the flies in the shallow end.
The Shooting Star doesn’t need to listen,
everything it does is out of this world.

The Frog leaps head first before
a decision is made. The Shooting Star
follows and shines its way into
the Coach’s eyes at a blinding speed.

The Pencil listens too much. It’s stiff
lead bones are holding it to attention
waiting for a nod to try its best.

Later on it will tell me swimming is easy
while scoffing on a cheese sandwich.

Carl Burkitt 2026