Hot, humid Lake Michigan
Was before me
But this time
I was prepared
Walking up to the tent
The Aussie recognized me
"You're finally ready to do it?"
He asks
I smile back and say
"Yeah, it only took me three times
To think about it."
But, today was the day
Even though I could swim
I got a life vest
It hugged my chest
Tightly and securely
"Don't be afraid to fall in,
He said, "You probably will."
"It's fine,"
But I lied
I didn't want to fall in
Even though the water was much
Warmer than other days
I didn't want to - fail
He carried the board
To the lake for me
Offered some advice
Sit on your knees, then get on all fours - and stand
Sounded easy enough
But the lake was a bit choppy
At first I didn't think
I was getting anywhere
Was I going in a circle?
I began to have doubts
Eventually I made my way out
And decided it was time to try
And stand
Okay, you can do this
The width of the board
Was comforting
Plenty of room
I heard in my head, "Place feet here."
I began to stand
Wobbly, but upright
Paddle, damn it - he said it would be easier
When you kept paddling
I did
Wobble wobble
Left, right, left right
Crap, not going too well
For a few minutes
I was paddling
But then I sat back down
Licking my wounds a bit
But the summer heat and sun
Remained with me
I saw the lake shore from
A perspective I had never seen before
It was nice just being out
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