If It Were Warm

if it were warm,
goosebumps would not arise on legs
and the sand would heat to gold
and the waves would feel like a cool breeze
rather than ice untold.

if it were warm,
not much would change.

if i had the means,
i would build a bridge across the bay
with wood and stone and ice
the wind would try in vain to wear
things of its own device.

if i had the means,
it would come up from the lake.

if there were a bridge across the bay,
we'd run three miles to the other side
in our bare feet and swimshirts
cool waves would splash amongst our toes
not caring who was first.

if there were a bridge across the bay,
strangers, like neighbors,
would be friends.