At the Beach When I Was Young

Whenever I stand on the beach and look out at the ocean, my childhood comes to mind.

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I’m longing to again kick up my legs,

perform a series of perfect cartwheels,

leaving prints in the sand,

all the way to the shoreline,

where ripples roll passive

and harmless, then I’d begin

to march like a drum major into the ocean,

until my toes barely touch the gritty bottom,

requiring me to swim breaststroke

up and over white sudsy foam,

beyond the crests of salty breakers,

ready to climax.

I glide towards the horizon,

where colors blend and distance

appears to be within reach.

Seeing myself reflected by the sun

into the clear mirror of years,

twisted shapes of arms and legs,

Swimming, not concerned a bit

about the pull of the undertow

or the bite of jellyfish.

By Lois Perch Villemaire

From: United States

Instagram: loisdale

Twitter: loisville

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