The steps, oh the steps.
The view, oh the view.
The excitement, the smell, the joy, the anticipation of
a great day.
Full blown wonder at the majesty of it all.
Oh my god, the waves are perfect.
As we run down the steep steps and careen through the sand.
I stop short.
I have on my new two piece, just like Margo’s bikini,
Only a two piece, just right for me.
She’s thrown a fit to Mom but I don’t care.
It’s mine and I love it
The sand like butter and sugar under my feet,
Plenty of room to stretch out.
I don’t have to worry as there is endless space for
us all.
I take my towel and carefully lay it down, careful not to get
sand on it
I place rocks on each corner.
I spread the Coppertone all over my body.
Again I am still.
Everyone is in a good mood and the waves are perfect.
I can trust this.
Today I can trust the love and fun and cooperation and acceptance and care.
It will last all day.
Today I can let go.
Today I can bodysurf forever.
I can race Dad and tumble and suck in the salt water.
I can eat hard boiled eggs and peanut butter and jelly and Pepperidge Farm Cookies.
Today I can wallow in the luscious pool of clay and swim it
all off.
Today I have landed at Baldwin’s Beach!
-Evie Preston