Have you ever noticed that the stories we most retell are the ones that first caused us angst, frustration or aggravation? Most of these stories allow us to laugh at the absurdity of the experience. Indeed it is through the laughter that we cleanse any underlying negativity associated with the initial event.Several years ago my wife and I were invited to a house in the Florida keys, that belonged to the parents of one of her students, for the weekend. We had a fabulous time, although we did have a moment angst. Some of the teenagers had gone out on the jet-skies and returned less than half an hour later. As we saw them returning we knew there was a problem. Typically they would have been gone for at least a couple of hours. As they drew closer, we noticed sever damage to the front of one of the jet-skies. Joel had been driving with Brad sitting behind him, travelling at a high rate of speed. They were moving so fast, in fact, that Joel was not able to turn the jet-ski before they hit the very large stone brakewater. Both riders were ejected from the jet-ski as it hit the rocks, and fortunately they didn't even get a scratch. It did take several hours for the adults to finally pry the truth from the kids.After the initial shock and fear at what could have happened we were able to laugh at their sheer stupidity. We laughed and laughed, and I even wrote them a poem which I will share with you. Bottom line is that event made it a weekend I am sure to never forget.
Lunacy of Youth(For Joel and Brad)On the Jet Ski rode the pairThe wind and salt water in their hairRiding at a thunderous speedUpon their trusted fiberglass steedWithout a trace of fear in sightThey raced on as Poseidon stood in frightThe two young men with much audacitySoon would have a test of their capacityNo mammal, nor fish nor living birdImpeded their way or they’d be interredThen on the horizon it did loomThe conquering colossus that spelled their doomAh! The immortal question was at handTurn and run, or make a standWith uncanny nerves, and no brains in stockIndeed they impale themselves, upon the rocks!
Carlos A. Bauta
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