ebb and Flow

What majesty in a wave.
what peace in gentle curves
as they tumble in sand
soft from eons tossed in black depths.
Pearls at the ocean’s throat
undulate between my toes.
My strip of sand lies between
the Golden furnace consuming the sky
and billowed clouds stretching rain to meet
the ocean’s horizon.

Years I have stood, heels sinking in sand.
Years I have knelt by flickering flames
enchanted by embers of words
drawn out by flecks in the sky.
Years I have walked, barefoot, on this shore
arms linked with my father’s
in step with my mother
watching my brother
collect shards and scraps and shells.

Years have gone, seconds have slipped
relentless waves, wishes, worries
replaced each year with more.
for Years I walked this shore.

Others walked beside me.
Their footsteps waded off into surf
branching off along my path.
The waves pull me now, beckoning
endless expanse of blue, white-tipped, that
drips from a watercolor brush.