Ebb Tide

By Clara Blair

Heat shimmers over the sand
As the star kisses the earth
Where the water joins the land.

The surf moves over the beach,
Tentative but inevitable,
Extending then withdrawing its reach.

Shells, sand dollars, seaweed –
Lover’s gifts lie moist and shining
As the urgent waves recede.

Small colonies of coquina shells arise,
Push through the wet sand, spurting
With life, unaware of a watcher’s eyes.

© 2002 Clara Blair