Handstands

Handstands in the sand,

are quite more difficult to maintain

than the on solid ground. I'd like to quote

the bible here, a lesson learned

in Sunday school so long ago,

of choosing to build a solid foundation

to build a sturdy life.

A stable foundation makes

for easier handstands, yes,

constanstantly looking

toward the ground

that never changes,

or sinks away

from my anxious grasp.

A stable foundation provides

its inhabitants with happy confidence

in handstand skill, alone.

HOWEVER, not everyone

can be so lucky. We've go to work

with what we've got. I come

to find I slip and fall much

easier than that man

who learned at first stand his hands

outstretched upon the sand.

He is sturdy, built to last

because he's had to learn

the changing tide may shift his stance,

and water rush upon his face,

and will his arms to weaken still

beneath the pressure in his limbs.

He's learned, you see the setting here

can't alway just be changed,

like trying to play backgammon

on a board that's meant for chess, sometimes

it's best to leave the game to those

who've learned to bend the rules.

He makes adjustments of his self

and reacts to that which he CAN

not change, that IS to come,

will try to shake, and tear him down, and

when a wave begins to roll and take

the earth away, beneath our arms

it goes to sea; he stands upright,

firm, 'cause afterall
it's nothing he ain't done before.

The game is over. I fall away.
My face is wet and salty.

Into the ocean I laugh and run;

back up beach, I sigh with grief

"HAN-BUN-DOH, Let's try again!"

"A contest in the sand, my friend!"

I'll try again, again! again!

until I've got it right.

I'll beat you, Rob, just wait your turn,

if it takes me all night!