The Waves

A long while ago we stood
On the edge of that vast and deep lake.
The breeze blew down on the green waves
As they crashed down on the beach, breaking on the sand
As though made of thinnest glass.

We stared with awe at that emerald water as it crashed with great violence,
And roared so loudly that we couldn't hear our own voices, our own mind's thoughts.

Every now and then out of that water bright shells and bits of coral
Would knock against our feet.
The ones I grabbed I still have.
And when I glance at them, I recall the waves, and the cool water that splashed on our bare arms, and gently kissed our cheeks.

I went back to see the waves, to hear their furious rumble.
I dug my feet in to the sand and waited for the the winds and the swell to rise, to no avail.
I walked back to the road and turned to look at the great expanse.
The water was still and motionless, but the shore was riddled with those shells and coral.