Amid playful chatter

On a warm autumn day 

We both turn at the same time

And glance to the horizon

The lazy afternoon sun mottles a wave

Glimmering its way toward us

Just us 

No one else close

This one is ours – and ours alone.

—

Its a bigger one

A bombie (of sorts)

We have had fun chasing the slow winding waves

Across the shallow limestone reef

But this one looks a challenge

Enough to feel a shared adrenalin surge

—

We both paddle toward it 

And I observe the quiet confidence 

And raw determination in her eyes

I know that look

I have known it since she was a child

Locked in her sights 

She has inside position 

I cease to exist

This is her wave

—

‘You go’ I shout

(Like there was ever any chance she wouldn’t)

And I watch her swivel

Size up her position in the water

Back now arched

And eyes trained on the blue in front of her

She strokes strongly

And I watch her glide past me

Arms cycling until she feels it gather her

Sheets of white spray 

Cascade back and for a moment

Her figure disappears from view

—

I watch her body move in time with the ocean

Grace and beauty

I sense her joy

I know she is smiling

Because she always smiles when she is stoked

And as she kicks out 

I am bursting inside

I dad-wave to her

Proud of this girl 

Once was afraid of the ocean

But who now has made it her second home