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Beach Day (At the Lake)

Beach Day (At the Lake)

A poem for summer

Half the joy lay


nestled (in the


planning), packing


of provisions;buns and butter,


ham and cheese with holes,


cucumber slices,


bottled water, and


soda in a can, chilled,


huddled in a cooler.


Incessant chatter of the


grandkids, effervescent,


lotioned, sandalled, each


buttressed in broad-rimmed


hats. Checkered tablecloth,


red and white, six clips to hold


it tight, prevent the plastic


taking flight. Folding chairs in


bags, stuffed and strapped—


blue wagon pulled behind.


 


Early morning hour offers early


bird the worm, staking claim:


prime real estate, a cherished


spot with trees, a patch of grass,


full view of a khaki-colored beach,


turquoise water lapping, licking


yesterday’s sandcastles, structured


in a C. No peace be had, yank


T-shirts, dress went flying, “Come


Opa!” the collective call, “And Oma


too!” She laughs and waves them


on, youthful stampeders racing


through the waves. Splashing for


two hours, small enough to still


wear floating things, (in delightful


neon colors.) Lips turned blue


and fingers into raisins—time


for tea and tender towels. At last


a sun, burst from hiding, bathe clad


and semi-clad with golden gloss.


 


Umbrellas—colors of a


rainbow snap and zing, jangle


in the breeze scattered ‘cross


the sand where ladies in bikinis,


bronze limbs and partial-covered


breasts, lounge, and sigh on towels,


rubbing lotion, endless motion,


enough to mirror clouds. Seven


men, a single lass, spike ball


across a net, diving sideways,


spitting sand. A day with sun and


sand and sunscreen begs for ice


cream in a cone, a scoop of mint,


(or choc’late), “please, can I have two?”


Her little hands drenched in melting


taste of heaven, lips, and chin a mess,


unable to hold stable, the sliding precipice,


plops to the thirsty sand. Cheeks all wet,


a gull cries overhead—it’s time to wrap


it up and greet the dazzling day.


Have a wonderful and blessed summer!


© 2018 DanieBotha.com. All rights reserved.

Image credit: Danie Botha

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