On soft warm sand I lie

Feeling the heat of the sun caressing my face.

Cool light breezes lifting my hair

Seagulls calling

And the rhythm of the waves pummelling the shore.

Tempted by the clear blue ocean

so cool and inviting

I recline on a soft cushion of sand as gentle waves lap at my breast.

Suddenly a huge wave enfolds me and I tumble

Into the foam,mouth and nose fill with salty seawater

 I am carried out into the boiling surf.

Then gentley lifted supported by the swell floated  towards the shore.

Unable to find my feet, sucked back

into the maelstrom of white water

Time and time again.

Never finding the strength to stand or escape the perpetual pounding

I  succumb to float in the warm surf.

Buffeted by the sea, eyes closed to the glare.

Cooled by sea spray

Floating between heaven and earth

In tune to the sound of the sea.

Val Cook 2006