*

*

They buried the swimming pool

filled it with dirt, spread grass seed

next summer, a lawn

only a bit of fence and a pole

where once sparkled the water

of the biggest pool in Missouri

*

They buried the swimming pool

the whites dug their own

at social clubs, in backyards

she heard their kids splashing

playing Marco Polo

*

she had one day in the big water

one day of droplets beaded on her braids

one day with Marietta and Louise

in their new swimsuits,

laughing when Louise turned from white to pink

*

she heard the shouts

as her brother pulled her out

go home quick,

pushed her and Marietta over the fence

no black skin in blue water

They buried the swimming pool