If-Liquid

There was no one around for miles

my stretch of beach

the rolling tide crashed into rocks/

see shells/ sea foams

***

I walked along

the back of my toe rings pressing

firm

into wet sand

the shore breathe/ breath to

the bray of seashores

reminiscing on days in shapes-

at no time.

metallic sun worn shells call

crystal rocks tumbled from gray

a mountain far or close

***

you're here in finger t i p s

***

I found a horseshoe crab upside d o w n

touched its shiny head/

away from barnacles

it was going to make it/

conserving energy.

on goodbye, he swished his tail at my touch

***

I was there.

***

the breeze whipped at my face when I turned around

walking back to the wagon

and the osprey’s nest stood tall

looming

I wondered if there are eggs

I’ll check back at the end/

summer

when the salt coats heavy in the air

under orange

burning

sun

***

I lived there under that sun

waiting for a touch

a face

telescope.

but the seashells are here

and I held on tight