The inky cobalt depths call to me with a siren’s song. Farther and farther I swim away. Each kick of my legs leaves me feeling powerful and strong. My family is shrinking away from me. The world is quiet this far from the sandy beach. The water laps at my skin like a lover’s caress. Farther and farther I swim.

Mary’s head is a tiny pinpoint beyond the deep deep blue. There is more than meets the eye in the depths of this lake. She watches me from afar. I am alone here, the master of this watery expanse. The beach-goers sit on chairs that look made for a Barbie. The shore appears as a tiny playhouse for dolls.

Like Robert Frost I am tempted by the lovely darkness here. As I reach the buoy signaling the edge of the swimming area I hesitate. I could continue. I have the endurance to reach the absolute center of the lake. A feeling of power settles over me like a favorite blanket. I could make it!

Instead I slide around and paddle towards the shore. Mary’s head begins to grow as the distance narrows between us. I can see her smile looking larger and larger like a beacon. Every stroke brings me closer to home.

Like Robert Frost, I also have promised to keep.

**Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved