The Paddle Boards

My son and I are
finding our legs
on paddle boards
in the choppy waters
of Lake Michigan.

We start on our knees,
too wobbly to stand,
and oar our way
farther and farther
from the sandy shore.

Initial attempts to stand
meet with comical
falls into the cold water,
coming up with a gasp
and barking laughter.

After half an hour or so
we are standing more
confidently in defiance
of the rise and fall of waves,
a test of our newfound balance.

Several minutes go by
without incident or accident,
feeling like we are kings
from shore to horizon, until
an unexpected shift

humbles us once more.


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