Stories

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 pair
The wind and salt water in their hair
Riding at a thunderous speed
Upon their trusted fiberglass steed

Without a trace of fear in sight
They raced on as Poseidon stood in fright
The two young men with much audacity
Soon would have a test of their capacity

No mammal, nor fish nor living bird
Impeded their way or they’d be interred
Then on the horizon it did loom
The conquering colossus that spelled their doom

Ah! The immortal question was at hand
Turn and run, or make a stand
With uncanny nerves, and no brains in stock
Indeed they impale themselves, upon the rocks!

Carlos A. Bauta