Lifesaver

When I was a lifeguard
there was a shed on the beach
where they kept the tools for lifesaving
and recovery
including
a set of hooks
for dragging the bottom
of the pond
to find a body if all hope
was lost but
I was never taught
to use them 
so I’m currently useless
whenever there is no hope

but I am willing 
to learn

because even if all I can do
is drag and weep
in the aftermath
of what’s coming

I will be willing to learn
for
the willingness to learn
in the face of disaster

is itself
a small but vital
type of
hope