"The Tide"

The Tide

The first toe dip's a gentle ballet,

a fine pirouette followed with a splash

and a warm breeze's fine welcome.

Unreliable her moods 

for she's just as likely to rock and roll a tempest surge 

that heaves us toward shore, laughing, 

occasional saltwater snorted through our nose.

I don't dare belly dance - the bikini and public

display of my midriff a memory from the distant past - 

but do enjoy a bit of a (secret) salsa as I extend an arm

and gracefully leap, (leg beneath the water outstretched,

back bent) over incoming waves.

Can't decide if I prefer sunrise's gentle melody

as my feet waltz to surf's soft rhythm 

while shore birds enjoy tonga lines along low tide's foam

or sunset's encore of captured color or soothing gray,

demolished sandcastles, and disappearing footprints 

seemingly tap dancing their way out to sea.

by Margaret Bednar, August 18, 2017

linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Bits of Inspiration - Keep Dancing"