The sign says, "No diving,"

but some rules were made to be broken,

so she jumps,

breaks the water with her hands,

reaches for something shiny at the bottom of the pool

like she's reaching for stars in the sky.

 

The sign says, "No horseplay,"

so when her friends call her name 

she ignores them,

reaches for something shiny at the bottom of the pool

calling her name more clearly than friends ever could.

 

The sign says, "No food,"

and why would she eat

when the only thing she needs

is something shiny at the bottom of the pool

feeding her dreams and desires?

 

The sign says, "No screaming,"

but she can't help it

when she loses sight of

that something shiny at the bottom of the pool,

disappearing from her line of sight like a ghost in the night.

 

She tries to come up

but she's in too deep.

The water fills her lungs

as she drowns in her dreams.

She's been under too long

searching for a ruby. 

The only sign she didn't read said

"No lifeguard on duty."