How does one grow old gracefully?
I don’t know.
But I do know that I look ridiculous with long hair
that I can’t party like I once did at 24
without feeling the ill effects.
That there is no such thing as lack of consequence
that I’m much different than I was
when I walked these very same streets
long ago.
I learned to develop a healthy sense of paranoia
in my youth
that is only now wearing off
So why start longboarding at my age?
Call it healthy regression
or a mid-life crisis
or blame it on the safe existence
of a protected cocoon
shattered by the unforgiving reality
of asphalt and pavement.
Maybe I do wear my cuts
bruises and scrapes as
proudly adorned medals,
battle scars
much like the Fight Club participants carry.
(My board is Tyler Durden)
Coasting in empty parking lots
around town
carving down the hills
turning up
ramped sidewalks and driveways
Why do I long board at my age?
Because its fun
and possibly preparation
for surfing;
a lesson in centripetal force
the ground running
beneath the wheels
and wood
precariously
navigating through maniac drivers
and the idiot drunks.
Am I too old to be just now learning to long board?
I probably am but that’s not going to stop me from doing it.
Besides I finally have health insurance.
~Edward Austin Robertson~
Hell yeah! Life’s better on a board!