A String of Pearls

Suddenly a bright surprise, as just
around the bend, it stood, a string of
pearls kissed by the setting sun.
Low waves captivating the shore
softly touched their frothy caps to the
expectant sand: A lover’s kiss drawn to
put my soul at peace, from sea to shore,
beyond the nights of restless sleep
and days of ardent seeking.

In low enticing murmurs, I hear the sea
sounds call: Remember sticky taffy,
the smell of Ban Soleil?
Remember shouts of hawkers
coming from the broad midway?
How they hint at happy youthful days
lolling in the summer sun!

At the shore line now, its sights and
sounds assail me: seagulls circle low,
haunting taunts, lamenting their lost catch;
surfers lie in patient wait for perfect waves
that never seem to crest on this calm and
peaceful day; and disappointed beach kids
kicking up the sand, anxious hands held high
begging kites to kiss the sleepy sky.

Oh, take me back to those fun-filled days,
where life and love unfurled, with all the hopes
of a  child’s heart in a simple string of pearls.