Howard's Beach

Howard’s Beach

Pale, with freckles, torn cardigan

long flowing skirt, hiding ankles of better days

fashion gone like the setting sun.

Like a frightened child she approaches

so inviting yet so cold to touch

fingers glisten with drops of sparkling light.

Stroke her cheek, soft, wet

steps back, hesitant, unsure

sits on a rock with muscles for thoughts.

Not so for the less faint hearted

as she rises from the still waters

shining, dripping, shaking her hair of sand and salt.

In and out she weaves as if born to

play with elegance and the early evening

knowing, feeling the watchful eyes.

Collecting his firewood, long and small

dry to burn like his humour today

sand slips through hand like endless thoughts.

Returning north he passes the mermaid

embracing the timid cardigan, ankle deep, laughing

they kiss, he smiles, night descends