Footprints

Visiting a beach full of childhood memories Laughing, running, until exhausted, Tide was out, expression used Saw a vision of father, digging for bait Pitchfork in hand studying sand and mud Chose a patch of sand, is there something special? All looked the same to children playing Seagulls circling, screeching, calls repeating Removed Shoes then my socks Rolled up my trousers what a sight Laughed inwardly as to the scene unfolding Aware of footprints leading into the distance Remembered the game of measuring sizes Who was it that walked before us? Checked length of stride, footprints before me A strange sight for anyone watching A grown adult acting as if a child My feet fitted into footprints before me The stride felt so comfortable Stopped for a rest looking skyward So many seagulls whirling, circling Turned to view the trail of footprints None behind me none in front Sat on the sand, puzzlement indeed Stood to walk back from where I came No footprints appeared in the sand A person walking on the beach I tried to dodge, they passed right through me.