sea cleansing

every so often the sea cleanses itself with strong winds

raised waves limit the immersing bodies

inviting themselves in without question

.

today is such a day

I’m sitting in a narrow street after almost losing my skirt

to a cheeky gust of wind that managed to untie it

quicker and gentler than men

.

I read and sip coffee as various items are being

dragged up the city away from the shore

a group of white napkins tries to save itself

holding onto anything sticking firmly to the ground

like modern dancers gracious and surprising

with their lifts, falls, and waving limbs

their performance continues as they roll

on the cobble stones away from the shore

.

perhaps out of spite but mostly inspired

by the sea’s inner strength to take care of itself

I go to make amends, to learn, to bow before

the crashing waves as they graciously share

their secret with each sprinkle I try to catch

the muffled yet powerful instructions

stepping back and out onto the sand

.

what is my wind and where

do I draw my shore?