Standing at the margin where sand and water meet,

Peaceful in the sunshine and sleepy in the heat,

Water creeping closer, sand pulling down my feet,

One day standing on the beach.

Venture to the ocean where tide runs out and falls,

Turn toward the mainland where the lofty mountain calls,

Both incomprehensible and me, so very small,

Next day standing on the beach.

Darkness fills the valleys and lurks beneath the trees.

Life is all uncertainty and perils on the seas.

Ships are made for sailing, not for the harbor’s ease.

Next day passes on the beach.

Now the sun is shadow, the rain beats down on me.

Water makes me shiver, and sand clings tiringly.

Stranded between choices, strung between the earth and sea—

Or not. No one on the beach.