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Open Poetry #40
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Felix The Lifeguard
| Open Poetry #40 |
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Felix The Lifeguard |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA 
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Felix’s just turned sixteen. It’s hotter than hell in the city. Walk the street, and road tar sticks to your feet. He needs a job. He hears the city wants lifeguards at the city pools. However, you have to be sixteen. Yeah, I know, he is sixteen, but he’s way small for his age. Being hungry all the time leaves you that way. He goes down to the city pool, tells the guy he’s sixteen. The manager tells him to get lost, “You got to be sixteen”. Felix needs that job, he’s not one to take no for an answer. He jumps in the pool, swims up and down the length of the pool several times--fast. He doesn’t even make ripples. The manager’s impressed, says, “Okay kid, maybe you are sixteen. Let’s see your papers.” Felix, he has them, tucked in his swimsuit. He has the job. He’s been swimming since he was six. He saw the other kids in the Delaware, diving for change in the water off Penn Treaty Park. He thought he’d try it, and nearly drowned until he got the hang of it. He’s been swimming ever since. Like a fish. Bobby [This message has been edited by Robert Jordan (06-18-2007 07:26 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Robert E. Jordan - All Rights Reserved | |||
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
As the French would say...He is like a fish in the water...James |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA |
James, You nailed it. God bless the French. Bobby |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Loved this but may I suggest the addition of a few words to pull the thoughts of this underpriveledged, undernourished kid needing a job and his knack for swiming together. I put them in brackets below: He’s been swimming since he was six. He saw the other kids in the Delaware, diving ( for change ) in the water off Penn Treaty Park. |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA |
Hoot_owl_rn, Thanks for the great idea. You have it. I made that change. You have to understand, I'm older, and momentarily forgot what Penn Treaty Park diving was all about. You've been there, haven't you? Bobby |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Bobby, Sorry, never been there but I could certainly make the connection through your words  Ruth |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA |
Ruth, The pier at Penn Treaty Park used to be a good place to dive in the river. However, about three years ago, a barge plowed into it. Now the best place to dive in the Delaware is off the pier at Palaski Park. Palaski Park is nearby, and I sometimes walk the dog down there. It's a good place to fish too. Bobby |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Enjoying your stories as only you seem to understand the how and why first hand. martyjo |
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Robert Jordan Member
since 2007-02-07
Posts 392Philadelphia Pa USA |
Latearrival, Thanks for the nice words on my efforts. It does my old heart good to tell the stories. I'm pleased you like my people. Bobby |
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