Reflections on a Beach at Dusk
The beach is almost vacant
The crowds have disappeared to shop and eat
Perhaps even to dance the night into the dawn
I gaze at the white foam as it creeps near to my moving feet
Jagged, wet fingers reach for me but miss their mark
My gaze falls upon the tot ahead of me
I watch him run back and forth between water and shore
His tiny hands carry a plastic scoop full of sand
His face is that of a heavenly cherub
The glowing light of pure joy
What is it about the beach that sets children free?
They laugh, giggle, play, and dig
With determination they manufacture mounds of grainy, brown crystals
Magnificent palaces that will soon be swept away
Carried out to sea by the same foamy fingers that currently envelop my ankles
I close my eyes and inhale the salt air
And embrace the perfection of the present moment.