Day at the beach

What joy at the beach
if you have the courage
to get out of your room
and enjoy the sun on your skin

Families out taking advantage of the weather
Dad walking hand in hand with his daughter,
strolling, wet sandals in his other hand.
Willing to stop as she bends down endlessly
to investigate natures treasures in the sand.

Young men passing a ball with
great delight and enjoyment
As if by magic, the ball
radiates happiness, when it is touched.
Eager to impress onlookers, who
seem oblivious to their efforts.

Children playing in the sand
building fortresses soon to be
demolished by the incoming wave
sea gulls flock together
a young boy curious, slowly walking
closer to touch them,
forever eluded by the flying birds

Lovers walking hand in hand
taking in the romantic scene
of the sun glistening on the ocean,
mountains dormant, blue and rigid.

A young boy wade side to side
as he walks, hands deep inside his pockets
as if to hide himself from the world.
seemingly oblivious to the beauty around him.
Lift his nose to take in a fresh breath
and smell his growing loneliness.

A girl, relaxing on her towel
bare skin glistening in the sun
eager to share her beauty with
whomever is willing to look.
soaking up the warm in form of a tan
reading her book, escaping the world around her

Families sitting under the trees
picnic blanket filled with bread, fruit, snacks
is this quality time, being together time?
drinking and sharing stories together?

On the water is a float
with children using it as a dive board
holding on while their feet
are kicking up water, splashing as they play.

A young baby girl testing her toe in the cold water
walking slowly towards the deeper unknown,
careful not to get hurt, not step on a rock.
The children swimming ahead in the distance
her destination of choice, if courage wins.
She turns her head to look for encouragement
as if looking back will help her move forward

A worried mother spot the young child in the water
"What are you doing?" the voice is angry with concern
The baby looses all hope and turns
just as she was about to join the swimmers.
Her fear drives her back to the shore
much aster that it took her to wade off into the water
mother is angry now, she learns not to have courage.

And that is how we grow up
in units of people, and sometimes alone
looking for the group that we fit in or belong.
When you look and finally realize
you fit no where, and you belong everywhere.