"Lifeguards"

Postcard From Merion

Growing up going to the shore every summer, I was a little in love with one life guard after another.

That athletic, tanned manhood keeping everyone safe from the 'undertoad' got my rapt attention every time. Finally, when I was 16, I was invited to the Lifeguard's Ball by one of these gods of the beach.

I thought that experience, which was more of a wrestling match than a ball, had cured me of this fascination forever. However, while thinking about this painting, I realized I actually married a swimmer who was at one time a lifeguard.