First Lesson

First Lesson
by Philip Booth

Lie back, daughter. Let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.

As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

First Lesson is a solo player game about being near or in the water. You play a creature of the sea (selkie, mermaid, or siren) whose divestment from their home and preternatural form is the starting point of the game. Playing near or in the bodies of water specified in the game (the sea, a community pool, a hot bath with Epsom salt) are essential to the immersive experience. First Lesson calls to mind feelings of cleansing, baptism, and letting all things return to the sea.  

Tone: cleansing, healing, reflective


Note: An updated version of the game will be posted in late summer, 2021. Previous players who've purchased or downloaded the game will be able to access the updated version without additional charge.