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Therese Thomas's avatar

Maybe a life well lived is developing skills to stay afloat, such as swimming. So as not to die from suicidal ideation or accident. Life is to learn such skills.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

I agree.

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Sandy's avatar

I especially love the very first and last stanzas. Suicide ideation is a fantasy for me, a fantasy of escape, that I could release my overwound mortal coil any damn time I want.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

It's a dangerous fantasy. I'm happy I have the tools to resist it.

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lou J's avatar

After at least five more readings, another perspective, not an easy one, driven by a whole new awareness of my privilege. For me, swimming has been freedom from gravity and aspects of the world I can’t control, a vehicle for direct connection to the planet’s essence. For you, it is literal and metaphorical survival. Perhaps this only accentuates the joy/relief I take in you having a therapist who knows you well enough to gain your trust, steer you to action, and you being victorious. Amen is not a word I use often, but it sure feels right here.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Amen is the right word. Amen, Lou!

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Dan Hunt's avatar

Love that line break going into the last stanza!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Dan!

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AMALIA VILLALBA NUÑEZ's avatar

SHERMAN ALEXIE FELICES

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thank you!

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Mo Issa's avatar

What a lovely poem! Sometimes our greatest acts of courage are not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, determined steps we take to face our deepest fears. Thank you for sharing, Sherman!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Mo.

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Tina Stolberg's avatar

I am a good swimmer but when I was young I got caught in a riptide I didn't know I was in. A lifeguard pulled me out. The trick he said was not to fight the pull out to sea, but to turn and swim parallel to the shore. Came in handy a few times.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

How to survive a riptide is a great lesson for all of life, I think.

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Antonia Malchik's avatar

Oof. Beautiful.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thank you, Antonia.

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Blake Nelson's avatar

Nice one.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Blake.

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Myq Kaplan's avatar

dear sherman,

another beautiful poem!

i love this line a lot (among all the rest):

"Dragonflies & cattails

were the lifeguards."

thank you for sharing as always!

love

myq

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Myq!

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Reena Kapoor's avatar

Loved that. So much in so little - the personal to the universal. Tales for our times and beyond. Awesome Sherman!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Reena.

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Jane Myers's avatar

Nice, Sherman. You could try a synchronized class if you want swimming to make you laugh. It did me in once upon a time. And not to badger, but did you buy that shirt yet??!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

I'm not gonna buy that shirt! Waaaaaay too much. I'm happy with my Banana Republic one that was 40% off!

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Jane Myers's avatar

OK.OK. But you deserve it.xo

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HELEN L JENSON's avatar

👏👏👏 I applaud you.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Helen!

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Julie Cajune's avatar

That poem felt brave.

I want to be one of the Indian girl that dies of natural causes.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Julie! Yes, to natural causes. Yes.

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Rick Schmidt's avatar

Just some beautiful thoughts and words and (best of all) new information you generate so well! Thanks Sherman.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Rick.

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Jt Smith's avatar

I think there is a fear of water with certain races. I learned how to swim as a small tike at a local swimming club. Was I privileged? Do I blame my parents for encouraging me to overcome my own fears? It is a win nevertheless. As we age, we become like water and water shapes our dreams. I grew up being open to various religions, philosophies, and customs. Good for you Sherman. You can conquer the war dance next.

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