Standing
At the top of the stairs I
swallow,
Waiting for that wave to race around
the blind bend and
jump at me with playful eyes.
His strength and willpower
is key
As his bubbling excitement
torments but
engages me at the same time.

The bristles
of his chin brush past –
As sharp as
the salty droplets like sweat
from the wave shower.

And although I run away from
hide-and-seek Daddy –
I still come back
for more. It creeps away
from the step I take, only to
rumble and creak as
my confidence grows
he bellows,
And runs up the stairs towards me.
Heart pounds.
Giggling.
As he slowly drips
down to the bottom step,
For the game to
start again.