BEACH

BEACH

Sitting in the sand, warm and comforting
Watching boats in the distance. My shoes
In my hand. Around me laughter, children....
Towels, people. Incomprehensible language
foreign land. Moving a loose strand of my
Blond curls behind my ear. I carefully stand.

I watch my feet only, leaving footprints behind
Shallow pools of water, created by me walking
Steps meet resistance in me. I am blind to
The stares, or not blind, awkward, ignoring
Askance glares. Whispering. I refuse to put
Back on my shirt. These scars invading
Their joy on sunny days, ice cream and innocence.
With dignity I collect my shattered senses
As in a dream I retreat, behind me whispering
And resuming and relief uncanny, shame
Why shame. I meet compassionate eyes
Leaning against the fence, outsider, nothing, thing.

© Darren White