Surfing

Young muscles tense with each stroke

and propel the board,

gliding and slicing

to darker depths.

Water crests, rolls,

twists like a glass tube.

Young legs crouching on the board racing into the furl

of solid, sweeping torrent,

the trial wrapping in beautiful colors

for the victor to behold

and then spring anew

with the tunnel in the wake.

Valleys’ harsh current,

a volatile experience,

proves worth the wait

when young one rises on the swell

to fly on the brink.

Wise ones know

when to duck-dive

and let turbulence

weigh on them

before rising unfazed.

Wise ones know

when to sit

still and wait.