Sandy


You touched me everywhere. Harshly.
You surrounded me and as the sea
approached you sparkled and smoothed.
Slowly, feet first, I fell into you.

You were hot with sun, a sudden oven.
The ocean tempted me with coming
cool water, frozen joy, the noise,
but you laid out the only choice,

my carpet, color faded, delirium
of tiny strands, the coral and the carrion,
the endless kiss of your carelessness,
the heatstroke candor of your breast,

and when you dried, the following day,
and stung my eyes, I washed you away.


Donald Zirilli
1998