Clear water 

It sort of looks like champagne 

The jetties are like ice cubes

I’m in awe that You know my name

I watch the kids float around in colorful inflatable tubes 

The weatherman warned of rip currents 

I float around near the shore to check my self-assurance 

The clouds aren’t worried 

The hermit crabs aren’t hurried 

I hear a kid start screaming 

I go to help him 

Turns out he was just caught up in some seaweed

He was small enough to lift out 

Slimy green detritus was wrapped around his small feet

I told him there was no need to pout

Everyone needs rescuing sometimes 

The Chesapeake on a Wednesday morning is sublime 

In the peak of summer 

All I want to do is stop 

As life carries on I wonder 

Am I doing it right? 

Because I’m happy to be an ice cube in the champagne 

Better yet, an umbrella 

If that’s even a thing 

The see-through water sparkles 

I just want to be in it 

And to talk to You, to feel You 

Is the greatest marvel  

Tell me what You think 

Why are certain parts of the bay warm?

It kind-of freaks me out 

Will that kid – or anyone – come to my rescue if there’s a storm?

Would You be my life jacket?

You know my doubts 

But for now I’m caught up in the sparkling water 

It feels right 

Watching the pelicans dive then take flight 

Tell me I’m alright 

Let my soul be clear water