July on the Lake

I got really drunk yesterday
said 
hey
bet you I could sneak onto that guy's boat
without him noticing 

okay

I moved the water with my hands
slowly drifting
away from my people
nobody noticed me leaving

Almost at the boat
I got a wave from my uncle
my heart began beating
often

this will be hilarious
I thought
sitting in the warm water
touching the man's ladder
step
step
enter

half a moment passes
the man turns
to grab a beer
sees me standing
as we stare

Hi
I was trying to sneak onto your boat
without you noticing

he made a slight gesture
opening his hand 
paused a moment
said
do you know anything about electrical?
My lights aren't working

I said 
no     sorry, I'm only half a man
jumped
and swam
away

a few minutes back
the family still floating in a circle
I say hey
did you see
I made it onto that guy's boat



nobody noticed
but the man himself

Jason Brendel

Jason Brendel is an author, poet, and comedian living in Austin, Texas. Navigate the buttons below to follow him on social media, make a donation, or purchase his collection of laugh-out-loud poetry on Amazon.

Learn More

• Amazon
• Instagram
• Facebook