It looks like a desert until you see the ocean

The vast sand a metaphor for my hoping

I was here four years ago

But it looked different

For now it’s winter time

And I’m alone

Except for the Golden retriever nearby

The sun still shines

But it’s cold

My friends are all gone

The one who was an exterminator; the one who was a martial arts instructor; another, a teacher; an art therapist, a marine, a restaurant owner

Today is the “later”

Those beach days are over

The volleyball nets are down

There’s no smell of sunscreen

Or empty beer cans

There’s no raucous laughter

I’m bundled up

What a change in plans

In the winter the sun is still here

The blue waters never disappeared

I look down the shore to see someone

The figure moves closer

I know him

He walks up and pulls me close

He’s still here

With me

Fulfilled is all my hope

After 8 years

We say a prayer for those we once shared this place with

Haven’t seen them in years

Though in the same town worlds away

The beach remains