A Walk On the Beach

The sun had been shining brightly on a windless day With diamonds sparkling on the sea in the bay. A paradise holiday, for my children and me Away from the grind of drudgery Suddenly the water receded, the tide went out Stranded fish lay gasping, flopping about Mommy. Quick. Come and look The sea’s gone. The poor fish are going to perish We must put them back in the sea Come and help me. My little girl of five Enthusiastic and wide eyed Carried the wriggling fish My boy of eight Was less concerned about the fish’s fate. Then a roar, a massive wave crashing To the shore. Water smashing Whirling, dragging us along. Swirling past hut and tree Tumbling with debris. In the surging frothing foam Trying to hold together as one We caught the branches of a tree Ripping clothes, drawing blood Fighting against the fury of the flood I gripped them, held them tight Nails biting into flesh. A useless battle against the surging might I cannot not hold them both One has to go To a fate I might never know I love them both How can I choose? I am hell bent to hold them both With all my strength Too weak Oh No. God No. I let him go With an anguished shriek For he was older, stronger And will survive longer He swept away with a fearful cry “Please Mommy don’t let me die”