When the tourists are gone sand is carved by...
the crash of the waves
the gusts of the wind
the steps of the gull
the sideways tracks of the crab
the slowly growing blades of grass
the dying jellies
the weight of gravity
the strength of the storm
the melting and refreezing of ice
the weight of the wild mare's hoof
the beak of the plover
the discarded shell
When the tourists return the beach is carved by...
the weight of the cooler
the steps of the flip-flip
the spike of the umbrella
the kids' shovels
the kids' pails
the litters of food
the beaching boogie board
the discarded cigarette butt
the lost cell phone
the fresh porta-potty
the four wheel drive vehicle
the rented bike
When the tourists leave again:
the waves, the wind, the gull,
the crab, the grass, the jellies,
the gravity, the storm, the ice.
the mare, the plover, and the shell...
reclaim what is theirs.
