Sand Sculpture
If we lie on the beach, reach through froth
press into sand as our bodies crush each into other
the bowls made by our hips gather seeped ocean
edges rise like glass battlements piercing sky
and promises string salty tears across our backs
When we finally stand to leave, shake off foam
waves sneak up and, lobbing salty spit, rush back
washing away the sculpted stamp of our bodies
does the first carving of sand made of us tell the truth
or is it the ruined print after the wave recedes to sea
I do not know how far to horizon will wane the tide
how long the sand will repose from brine and tears
all I know is to marshal grains, impress our forms
and begin to rebuild the battlements of our union
because it’s what we do, we gather ourselves again
Beach image, public domain
