I Need A Ladder

Reprinted by kind permission of
Mary Ratcliffe. 2006

It’s like all the other kids are already in the pool and saying “come on in – it’s fine once you get used to it” and I’m standing on the side, shivering and knowing that the best way is just to jump in. I’ve seen the other kids doing it but I just don’t know… I want to climb down the ladder instead but everyone’s saying “just jump in – go on!”