In The Park

She sat upright, her back tense, her small hands wrapped tight around the chains supporting the swing, waiting for a push in the crisp fall air. 

Her father’s strong hands grabbed the edges of the seat and pulled her back.  A momentary pause, then she was released to sail forward, her hair blown back, chains squeaking as they moved in their brackets.  The swing swooped down toward the ground and then up toward the sky.  It reached its apex and hung suspended, before falling back.  Warm hands met her on the back swing pushing to send her forward once more.