watching the waves at Great Yarmouth, Father’s Day – Sunday, June 19.

Another time, on another beach

I watched you catch a wave.

 

Others stood further out:

thigh deep, hip deep, waist deep, and

seemed to watch and wait for

something better.

 

You pounced on the first promising ripple

and gave your all –

kicking, swimming

without a backward glance.

Safely on board, you tucked one arm in

and one as a rudder thrust forward

declaring your direction.

 

Effortlessly you rode towards me

where I stood

knee deep in the gentle wash.

As you stood

beaming

I clapped,

celebrating your power,

your energy,

your determination.

 

We smiled.