Crowns

When it's my turn to hand out the crowns,
I will start with these children at a pool,
and give them a crown that is made of light
and thank them for their benevolent rule
of water and the sun.

When it's my turn to hand out the crowns,
I will tell all those who wear them now
to lay them aside and come for a swim
and while they swim I will hide all their crowns,
at least for a while - and it may be long.

When it's my turn to hand out the crowns,
I will tell those who have no visible crown,
yet stride or strut or slink because they rule,
that they are lifeguards now, and woe to them
if any child should drown.