Don't count

Quickly down the path through the pines you hear it, then smell it in the air. Up the dune and there it is. looking down, now moving a slower pace, there's one, nice, another not as good but it will do, back and forth, just right, too fat, oh yea, round and flat just like people the best ones have the sharp edges knocked off. Another over there but stuck in the dirt, kick it loose nah it was only part of a larger one. Hands full begin filling pockets this is a good start I'll be back. Head to the waters edge one in each hand seeing them by touch turning over and around like meditation balls. Watch the waves, good size swells breaking close but leaving a fleeting smooth trough as they run from the shore. Weighing the best one, always the best one first, holding it just so, leaning a little to the side, reach back, wait for the perfect wave. Now arm coming forward body and shoulder turning hand flicking it loose. Hitting the water at just the right angle it skips and skips curving an arc, slides and then settles out of sight. Wow! twelve says David from behind me. Twelve? Oh you were counting. I forgot you were there. What's your best? I'm not sure, a bunch, I don't count. It is more about the process and the feeling. The really good ones come to a stop before they sink. Like life it is mostly about your approach angle. Too steep and fast and you make a big splash and then your gone in an instant. Too high you get your nose up in the air, go way up then drop out of sight with a small splash. hit the angle just so and you can skip along more times than can be counted.