Not Waving but Drowning

(Stevie Smith)

This morning (on my pre-work seaside walk) I saw this elderly man go into the water for his swim. There was nobody else around, and I was afraid to walk away in case he got into difficulty. He swam a good distance doing the back stroke and I walked along side him as though I was his protector (but I am a weak swimmer and don't know what I could have done) but I didn't want to leave either.

I kept thinking he was waving at me - but I know he wasn't.

It was a beautiful morning and he emerged from the water safe and sound. So I scarpered back to my car, back to work, back to my computer and I was happy he had a good swim.