The Dream 1975

In San Francisco is the famous bridge, the Golden Gate.
Have you heard that people have swum it on a previous date?

Yes, the year is 1975.
Do you think I can survive?

The men can swim it, you bet.
But we women need to forget.

And one day I was told
We women swimmers can be so bold….

“You can do it too, just call Blair.
With her it will be lots of fun, for sure.”

I really want to do it
But I cannot even imagine it.

It’s like you would be an astronaut,
Something you know nothing about

Swimming the Gate, always dreamt of it
Yet, never really meant it.

I confide to my friend, “I am too slow.”
“I am too, but let’s give it a go.”

And this was the start,
Women not to be kept apart

Though we are worried, to be sure,
We must see if we can endure.

Getting into the water is shocking.
It’s so cold, my mind is blocking.

It truly is hard work, this thing.
What is the challenge going to bring?

Swim, Swim, Swim,
Don’t dream,

The bridge above is so high
Almost reaching the sky.

What are the tides going to bring?
They are certainly overpowering.

Before the swim I was told.
“Your breaststroke will not hold.”

My breaststroke is fine,
Do you mind?

I feel determined to swim across
Or it will feel a big loss

And again, swim, swim, swim.
Don’t dream.

Work hard, stop fantasizing
Or it will be agonizing.

Look around, concentrate.
Adjust to the tides, calculate.

Now I have to prove it.
I have to make it, I will do it.

And again, swim, swim, swim.
Don’t dream.

I look ahead, am I still dreaming?
Or is it reality I am seeing?

I am passing the South Tower
Dreaming of a hot shower.

Even being slow
I see the shore.

The submerged rocks don’t give a scare
The beach behind them encourages to dare.

It is so great!
I swam the Gate!