Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

For a year and a half I have been working on mastering the butterfly stroke. I’ve taken lessons, sought advice, read how-to manuals on-line, and put time in the pool working on the various parts of the whole. I think I’ve got it.

To achieve this goal, I’ve considered the butterfly stroke akin to ballet, something I’m far more familiar with. Ballet uses all the body in its poses; butterfly does the same. So when I push off from the end of the pool I raise my arms overhead and bow my head and think “Graceful pose.” I keep my legs and feet together as one and think “Jump and point.” It’s a sorry state that I cannot remember the official words for the ballet poses, but my last lessons were thirty-five years ago. I can, however, remember the feeling of being totally involved and lyrical.

And that’s where I am with the butterfly. Totally involved. Lyrical. And loving the sense of accomplishment.