Beach

The waves wage war against the shore,

And crabs scuttle clumsily through the surf,

Seeking sustenance, shells, and solitude.

The sand stands strong against the boar-

Charge of the challenging tide’s turbulent

Hour, halting the harassing multi-hued

Water. The war waxes and wanes

But, the harsh beauty of the hastening

Assault arouses no ally’s anger.

Smooth stones drift swiftly through, away,

And toward the terracotta sand space

Of the beach. Barely clad, browned sun-bathers

Face the fury of the full globe

Unprotected by thick white sun-lotion,

Or the outspread shade of beach umbrellas.