Surfer dude

Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c), 2026, inspired by an enlightened conversation I had this morning at the De Anza Flea Market. I learned that "hang ten" is the quintessential surfing maneuver where the surfer rides on nose of the board with all ten toes hanging over the edge. It is considered the epitome of surfing requiring precise balance, speed, and positioning within the pocket of a wave.

The game of life throws it’s fair share of curve balls 
Where some see excitement, others see only brick-walls

Take barreling through Mavericks on just a tiny surf board
Pros make it look easy, drop into the flow, reap the reward

For me, the inexorable specter of the inevitable wipeout 
Keeps me grounded. Terra firma, is all I can think about 

So I ended taking a photo to capture the thrill of the ride
And used my paintbrush to portray the magic of the seaside