My Choice Was Made on the Beach

May 6, 2003

In a loose cotton chemise, all white
and a long skirt dyed the colors of the ocean,
I stopped trying to hide the attachment.
My mind latched on to something surreal
in a summer long after it all began.
The other sounds that swept
into my ears and into my memory
were the flowers of love that I gathered.
The lyrical ocean sang to me,
and the wind gave me a melody.
All the past details detained by
the first sight of a blue sky
that held within it the wonder
of the desideratum that I thought
would burst out of every pore.
Even when wet sand clung to my feet
and scratched the soft skin,
I felt no irritation at all.
I simply walked along the beach
until I found a quiet, lonely spot.
I knew well that I would be alone
in my thoughts and in my search.
I knew better than to speak of this
to anyone who might be inclined
to tell me that all was illusion.
In the heat of the day, though,
I made my decision by refusing to speak.
All in one day, during brief storm,
My endless path of wandering was chosen.
The search was mine alone to bear.