Moonstone Beach

This one was written after spending the morning at a beach by the Pacific in Cambria, California.

                                                           Moonstone Beach

                                                     Once we’ve seen the seals
                                                     this foggy California morning
                                                     every sea shadow comes alive
                                                     with possibilities –
                                                     the sea kelp bobbing
                                                     in the swells,
                                                     the dark rocks lurking
                                                     just below the waves,
                                                     the driftwood swirling
                                                     in the surf
                                                     could all be new
                                                     creatures for us to spot:
                                                     would-be otters or dolphins
                                                     or whales.
                                                     Each mistake makes us
                                                     more attentive.
                                                     The surfer’s silhouette
                                                     paddling to meet
                                                     what will propel him
                                                     turns from a shark
                                                     we fear to courage
                                                     we envy
                                                     and the fog begins
                                                     to burn away.