Triumphant

Summer Beaches

(9/8/17)

Sand bows beneath the weight, shaping to whomever is sitting there

Ocean water crawls forward, touching the outstretched toes and feet

The feet do not recoil, relaxing deeper into the wet sand

Brine and salt catch in the wind, dancing across the shore

Yelling, shrieking children fade and the crashing waves magnify

The sun dips beneath the island mountains beyond the bay

Casting sharp shadows over the shoreline

A line of gold darts across the water, reflecting from the horizon to where waves die

The water deepens, hiding its depths, concealing what lies below

The wind is sharper now, raising goosebumps

The toes recoil slightly from the ocean's touch

But remain in the sand, burying deeper for the heat

The sand escapes into every wedge, every crevice

Until at last whomever it is rises, scraping at the dried sand, wincing

Watching the sun disappear and the ocean almost reflecting the sky

Stars appear as the walk to the showers is trekked

Gathering shoes, hat, sunglasses, towel and other things

Returning to the car, ending the fantasy of living on summer beaches forever

As the seat, still sun-baked, cradles them, they put the car into reverse

Easing out of the parking lot, away from the busy coast

Returning to the city