The Swimmer

I didn’t know her name –
before this play of Games
but she Yusra Mardini –
the swimmer of that sea –
pushing on –
to cross again –
as a refugee –
an Olympian

She trod waves in the Aegean –
over long-drowned Queen Aegea –
there they swam –
towing to shore –
a fearing load –
that smuggled horde

Dropping once more over the side –
into the pool –
her place –
her life –
but no more a fearful Syrian –
Mardini has arrived –
she is swimming