The Walk to the Seashore

Searching for time vanished,

I walked and walked,

And walked some more.

Sometimes with purpose,

And at times not.

I passed gardens planted long ago,

With tenderness or haste,

Some had withered,

Others still in bloom,

The gardener always forgotten.

When my feet hurt,

I stopped and rested

Until I made friends with the pain.

Then I could smile.

Smiling helped me forgive,

Forgiveness pushed madness away

Leaving room for wisdom.

Wisdom smiled kindly,

And taught me love.

Here I am.

Tucked in my pocket,

A bundle of dreams and memories.

Some true, others not,

Of bread and wine and other things.

Smelling vaguely of life,

Like an old family Bible,

Seldom opened, but always faithful.

The waves, remembering me,

Roar their welcome, 

Ancient and hopeful.

A few casual clouds,

Stranded on a windless sky,

Watch our reunion.

The sands ponder fate

As they witness time

Disappearing into the wind.

Sunlight fills my lungs, 

Claiming each breath I take,

         The earth calmly waits.