I watch her
In the waves
In awe of her sticktoitiveness
She’s focused
Passionate
In learning how to surf
She’s fearless
She’s mighty
She’s strong
Even when stung by jellies
Or bit by sea lice
Ears full of water
Water deaf
She comes to shore
Well… crawls to shore
With a bruise & welt
On her cheek
Surf board kicked back
And won
Oh the woes of learning
How to catch waves
40 minutes of extreme sticktoitiveness
Being battered in the break-zone
During a tropical depression
This kid!
Comes out roughed up
Smiling
Tired
Dreaming of the day
She’ll catch that
Perfect wave
She slept in the car
All the way home
Sticktoitiveness part of her core
It’s who she is
* Ponce Inlet, Florida; Memorial Day 2018
strengthdefined 