Beginner Beach

The waves crash in regardless Of whether or not the fledgling Surfers get into position. They mostly do not.

They sit on their boards Unable to read the future from the horizon And miss the moment they were waiting for.

Others notice and turn, staggered and slow, Just in time to start paddling As the wave passes by. A couple catch the wave, But it never breaks.

No matter. They turn back around Move into position And keep waiting.

Every now and then, Someone will get the timing, Pop up, stand on the board, Wobble for a couple seconds Like someone learning to walk, And fall into the sea.

They come back to the surface, Recover their board And paddle out again. The waves are still crashing on the shore.