I slip off my shoes,
Dig my toes into the warm sand.
Finally free from constraint,
They wiggle in delight.

The salt hangs thick in the air.
The aromas of seaweed drying on the beach,
Of barnacles clinging to rocks,
Of fire pits long forgotten,
Invade my senses.

The wind gently teases my hair,
Lift then let fall,
Tangle then smooth,
Winding loose tendrils ‘round its fingers.

The breeze whispers in my ear,
Coaxing me toward the sea.
Its warm breath tickles my skin,
Drawing me towards the shore.

The sun burns hot in the sky,
Baking both sand and body,
Urging me into the cool water,
The only solace from the heat.

The salt water rises up,
Encircling my waist with its strong arms.
It holds me tight,
Drawing me deeper into its depths.

I breathe in,
Salt on my skin,
In my hair,
On my lips.
It fills my lungs,
Gives me life.
Oh, that I could hold on to it forever.
I breathe out.