The Sound of Waves

I forgot
the sound of waves
lapping at the shore,
the squeals of children
running on the beach,
and the squawking of the gulls.

I forgot
the smell of salted air,
the musty scent of seaweed,
and the smokiness
of an evening fire.

I forgot
the pleasure of making fresh footprints
in wet sand,
the wisps of white
against the blue,
and the smile on E’s face
as she wiggled her toes at water’s edge.

I forgot it all
until I combed
endless stretches of beach,
closed my eyes
and felt the cool Northeast breeze touch my face,
and waited in silence
as my body uncoiled
from the never ending Covid winter.
I didn’t want to write a word,
or text a phrase,
or snap a pic,
or do anything
that broke the spell.
I didn’t want to do
anything at all.

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