the waves, with their

inviting rhythm

unwavering in their steady assault

offering solace in the overwash

they will beat you senseless

throw you around without a 

secound thought

like a doll

ragged, aching

 

the waves, with their

impregnable rhythm

neither merciful nor sudden

the pain, at least

you can expect

while the scintillating breeze

carries the drops down your face

into your stinging eyes,

and through the cracks 

of your wounded lips

 

still the ringing fills your ears

and the thoughts grow quiet

the voices that implore you

to submerge

to rid yourself of resistance

of

everything, really

and accept your fate

below the blue

 

come, for

the shorebreak is near

where foam meets jagged rocks

and your final scrapes and burns

come as gifts from the grain

and you gaze through the lingering brine

far down the lonesome beach

at the waves

 

with their harrowing rhythm

unforgiving, indifferent

to your drying tears