Venice Beach
California
where the west ends 
land and sands 
meet the edge of sea
white sailboats coast summer
breezing in fleets
surfers masquerading as seals 
catch curls and cruise like dolphins
seagulls frolic sun-kissed shoreline
sounding waves of percussion
white break foam turns over
crashing + lapping
children chase tide 
kicking + screaming + laughing
in salty hazy mist they 
jump and screech
as cold ocean splashes about 
ankles and feet
tired worn faces of
mothers and fathers
journey from sand
into cold blue waves they turn
backs to stand
trying to remain a proper
woman or man
but the force is too much —
teeth revealed as the corners of
their mouths turn up
eyes begin to soften
frown lines become smooth
footing loosened as water withdrawals
digging grooves
soaked from head to toe
each one gives in
falling back 
to float to swim
parents catch children in
towels open armed
with hugs they are 
comforted + warmed
sandcastles return back
into sea
along with lover’s hearts etched in
grains of beach
glow of silent setting 
sun slowly creeps
behind mountain peaks
rays cascade
winged cranes 
caravan and fade
into painted clouds streaked
pinkorange and peach