Ode to Surfing

Ode to Surfing

How will it look?

I ponder over a drink.

Will I be able to stand,

What will the other's think?

It's my first time on a board

and I already know,

this may not look great,

It'll be quite a show.

I spoke to the teacher,

and agreed to the fees.

Next step was the ocean,

and I'm weak in the knees.

We paddle on out,

past the kiddies and swimmers.

To where the waves break,

My fear is no dimmer.

I know that I'm clumsy,

and my balance is poor.

But try I must,

Get up on that board!

A few failed attempts,

and I was ready to quit.

My teacher threatened ending,

and I thought, "This is it."

Finally, I got it!

I stood up on the board.

Look at me now,

I'm queen of the world!

Don't tell me I can't do it,

or take away my fun.

I've proved my resilience,

you'll be the wrong one!

I have been thinking about this poem for quite awhile.  I knew I had to write one.  I love how surfing relates so clearly to my life.  I was afraid to do a great many things, and I got past that fear.  I may still be afraid, but I do it anyway.  Also, my instructor wasn't going to end the lesson, but was going to make me change to a board that would be more painful in the long run.  He gave up on me, and the very next attempt I got it.  Don't tell me I can't do something.  I am far too stubborn for that.  Finally, it took a lot for me to get it right.  I think that is one of the great themes of my life right now.  I fall off the board quite frequently, but I get right back up.  Life is a balance.  If I was up all the time, life would be boring.  The important thing is to pull yourself back up after you fall.  It's ok to get a little wet sometimes.