Satisfaction

Adonis, bronzed and self-assured,
Stood high upon the diving board.
Feet together, supple-jointed,
Arms outstretched with fingers pointed,
Slicked-back hair and square-cut chin,
Chest stuck out and waist tucked in.

From the children’s paddling-pool,
I felt a most ungainly fool,
Rubber-ringed and lily-white
And overdosed on cellulite.
If only I could be like him!
If only I could learn to swim!

Adonis leapt, without a fault,
And did a backward somersault.
Like an arrow he descended
All his arms and legs extended.
Then, to show life can be sweet,
He missed the pool by several feet.