I entered the churning,
pulsating body of water
with all the confidence
of a young, innocent soldier.
Optimistic and looking for adventure.
The rumble in the distance
built excitement in the crowd
The growing size of the mass of water
didn't cause any fear or trepidation.
The wave towered over me as
I turned to ride it to shore.
Instead of jumping on top
the wave hit me in the back,
knocked me off my feet
into a disorienting spin
that filled my mouth and nose
with water, scraped my knee until it bled.
As I spun and flipped I wondered
where I could plant my feet and stand.
I saw limbs, water, a mermaid tattoo.
I felt one foot touch and then another.
Once I stood I pushed back the hair
that had covered my face
found that I was 50 feet
from where I had started
and there you were laughing at me
pulling me back in for more