The Ocean At Dusk, To a Child

I am seven and a half, standing at water’s edge. It is just after sunset, and we are on vacation. Sunburned skin was okay then, at seven and a half. Dad sits comfortably higher up the shore, watching. The green-gray water, seemingly alive, Is rolling and roiling, churning like my stomach as I watch. My head is full of wild imaginings and half-real dreams. The ocean fascinates, beckons, and chills to the bone with fear. I saw a colossal sea-god stand out of the ocean At a Saturday morning kiddie show movie just days ago. I know it was only a story, but I believe in stories. Soon Neptune will rise up, God-like and glaring - And mortal dads are not suited to fight evil sea-creatures. My dad still sits, peacefully unaware of what is about to happen. I stand and stare, shivering in my sunburn, unable to look away.