Time Still 1 Wake of destruction, debris lay, tidal detritus thrown about, casts abstract art, odd macabre canvas, sand-strewn limbs, both tree and man, intermingled arms stretched a Vesuvian-like pose at low tide 2 Blood streaked bathroom floor, help beyond reach, face blanched white as porcelain she clings to, teeth grit together mightily, with each wave pain grips, she cries out wishing for birth, clean bed not this violent expulsion of death 3 Words spoken, whispered tidal pool a fishing net thrown, dragged to boat full, writhing shrimp, brine permeates rough weather foulie, water sheds oil cloth stench, no rope burn on calloused hands, nostrils flare, sea salt air rakes his outstretched tongue 4 Book read and re-read as if unread, slip away into now familiar realms, silent voices, pages flutter past, blink tears unchecked down cheeks roll, lovers ripped apart, arms reach out to meet in thin breaths, wisps of air 5 Shells, pebbles collected, waves ripple against time, almost stands still, memories as sea mist must rise, mixing with salt air. Losses: life and love churn the current, drowned spirits lurk just below feet bared; sensation of sand swirls ankles in maelstrom, eyes look east toward morning sun Julie A. Dickson
