To Catch a Wave

A poem by Achuthan Panikath

Fri Jul 03 2026

I'm hovering on my board
One with the inconsistency of the ocean
I'm used to it now
Of the rise and fall
Of the wave that never becomes
And of the ripples that wipe out veterans of this war
I'm left with scars from these fights
Healed by the salts of the very next break.
A cycle to bet my life on.
There is something inevitable about this feeling of tepid instability,
As though I am meant to perpetually try.
Every wave that washes by seems full of possibilities in hindsight.
I want it; but I must be prepared to stand up.
Even if I dread the paddle back to the deep safe sea.
I almost gave up the last time, didn't I?

Or perhaps this time, a wave will come
That stops my mind
Wills my feet
And carries me ashore
Never to return again.