The Beach

Two same-sized swimmers stand with arms up
To embrace the impact of a coming wave

Broken shells in neutral colors
Tell the story of storms not long in the past

A woman with long black hair walks in the surf
Holding the hand of her daughter,
A miniature version of herself

Great blue heron steps cautiously in an angled trajectory
As an old man stumbles carelessly out of his swim
Destined to meet in an awkward crossing of paths

A pudgy boy pulls up his fleeing trunks
Over the exposed crack of his behind

"It was supposed to be a rainy day, all day long,"
said a passing lady to her lover.