Beaches

Watch the waves curl toward the land
beat themselves against the sand

hear the gulls cry as they play,
hear the tides washing away

Shells so fragile in my hand
scattered all along the strand

tossed and broken on the beach
laid out for the sun to bleach

Sun so warm against my skin
let the sun come soaking in

see the half nude people play
watch the palm trees bend and sway

Ships move slowly out of sight
beyond horizon's unbroken line

surfers stand and pitch and roll
fight the ocean for control

Sand in everything I wear
shoes, shirt, shorts, and underwear.

When I return will what I see
still be here to welcome me?