( A tighter amended version)

On soft warm sand I lie

Feeling the heat of the sun caressing my face.

Cool light breezes lifting my hair

And the rhythm of the waves pummelling the shore

Tempted by the clear blue ocean

In need of a cool embrace

I wade into the water.

Suddenly a huge wave enfolds me and I tumble

Into the foam, mouth and nose fill with salty water.

I am carried into the boiling surf

lifted by the swell

Returned fast towards the shore

Feet higher than my head sucked back

into the maelstrom of white water

Time and time again.

No 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 salty spray

Floating between heaven and earth

In tune with the sound of the sea.

Val Cook 2009