Scene From Coldstream Beach

Some can see it by closing their eyes But I have to live it just to feel alive All my senses open to the world An experience I could not contrive The crystal shimmers of the water Dancing toward the sandy shore White puffs above drifting across A blue canvas where eagles soar The aroma of sizzle from a grill Elicits the tongue a watery reply Sunlight on the oily summer skin Tells the nose that season is nigh The full dram of gin in the juice Purses the lips; rewards the buds But the hot grit of blowing sand To the unsuspecting mouth floods The clever wind howls a sudden From across the lake a yell Older voices speak in a murmur Younger ones scream to tell That breeze cools the warm skin Toes find respite in the earth cool Leathery hands soften by a caress Cooled from a dip into the pool But the scene is not complete And the story not fully told Without the woman beside me For all my senses to behold Her brown skin perfumed by oil Her words by libation made fine Her hand smoothed like velvet Her lips flavored by sweet wine With all my senses well intact I don’t need a beach to thrive Just close my eyes next to her And know I’m completely alive