Back To the Beach

I lay my back upon the sand and gently press into the shoreline My lids shut, shielding me from the setting sun, open other senses to the brush of waves at my spine, My ears, my toes; wherever the water goes - I have no control The toll of the tides, always a surprise to my awaiting, sea-salted skin as it's caressed I do my very best to listen - for the tide's rhythms But I only hear hushes and childhood screams and crowds cheering during Fourth of July displays As the sea brims, I let it roll me down into my very own memory bay Where I watch sun-kissed, decade-old daydreams, playing out just as I remember Framed by sandy, size 4 footprints, which etched every seaside endeavor I flutter my eyes open to lace-trimmed edges of waves nipping the nape of my neck, surrounding my waist, falling at my hips fitting me in a, white with foam, ocean-tailored dress The child in me revives, giddy for beach-side weddings Seagulls gawk on by, sending me their blessings And I - 8-year-old me - marry the sea Thanks to she, my tears ever be extra salty My smiles always reminiscent of the missing-toothed-grins My wave-tossed upbringings, and shore-sealed lessons That always lead me back to the beach again