A Diamond Afternoon

Summer Beach Sifting warm sand through my fingers lustrous fine grains glitter my palm. Soothed by the soft powdery touch, I sit for a while under the rocks, my bare feet swirl patterns in the sand as I watch a beach life unfold. Bustling mothers set up home on plaid blankets colourful beach bags spilling with towels buckets, spades strewn all around, a picnic stored under an umbrella, children gathered skip giddy with glee, scent of sunscreen on lily white limbs. My gaze drifts to little pink sisters, chubby faces bubbling with desire. Nimble bodies straggle the sand, wrapped in a world of castles and dreams. They stud mounds with pearly shells whispering stories of princes and princesses. At the water’s edge long legs prancing tiptoeing warmth into an icy sea. Lads splash and play, high jumping the waves. Ball punched into the air, hands outstretched grappling madly, they plunge in an explosion of salty laughter. Strolling the tide line, bare feet on wet sand, I bask for a moment beneath a honey sun, life sparkling on a diamond afternoon. MMC © 2011