Hang Loose

Wet seals flapping in the water
We set out on a mission
Feet squishing in our skintight boots
The white crests of foam splash on our bellies
Paddling on our boards now
Dodging green waves that would push us back to shore

We struggle forward
Wondering why the hell anyone would love this sport
I look at my slippery friends
Smile to myself, “we’re in this mess together”
Suddenly caught unawares
I’m pummeled deep into a swirling confusion of water
I cover my face and head as taught
But the board tricks me and smacks me behind the ear
Surfacing, I try coughing out the salty gulps inhaled

Leftover adreneline fuels my laughter
Laughing at my clumsy escape from natures careless forces
She does not care if I love her
As I admire the curling beauty of the tides
I continue to get pushed and smashed around in this enormous pool
All the while keeping focused on catching a wave while avoiding injury

Finally, I settle my soul in the perfect place
The wave comes and I paddle with it
Accelerating on my stomach
I push up and catch a ride on this temporary blue shuttle
We ride together toward shore

Sitting on my board I watch it all from a distance
Rain lightly mists on my face
The sounds of the waves are now but a whisper
All of it like a dream to reflect on
Zen… this must be heaven