Lady By the Sea

I saw her standing there facing the sea. Her diaphanous gown draped with gentle folds in harmony with the breeze. She seemed poised for flight like a long limbed ballerina. I saw the surf break into an avalanche of foam and felt fear that made me huddle and quake. Tumbling waves licking at caves mad and destructive. Her gown became a black shroud and her sins died in my bosom. I could not look at her face lest I see myself and become astonished.