the stranger...

I watch you

walk to the sea,

hear your light footsteps

splash against my soul.

I notice the way

your feet -

naked delights,

fall against the sand -

each step rightly placed.

You are mysterious,

standing close to the water,

waves falling at your feet,

keys in hand.

You are a captivating image.

I notice your hair,

the dark curly tresses,

are sensual and lovely.

The silk dress you wear

clings against your body -

revealing with the on shore breeze.

You walk thinking,

A siren at the sea

and I wonder,

what brings you here

what thoughts,

         what tragedy,

                  what tryst or trial

                           do you carry on your journey.

I watch you linger,

         by the sea,

                  then disappear -

melting into the hulls of boats,

         vanish with the squawk

                  of sea gulls voices.

J.E.Dorsey 07.23.99 - Week #29 – Rev. 11.02.10

Later, when this woman walked by me to leave, I spoke to her.  She had a retainer over her perfect teeth and a wide smile, making her face light up. She was embarrassed when I read the poem outloud. She said it was true, that life’s trials did bring her here. She did not realize it was so obvious, nor that I was so intuitive.“You brightened my day,” she said. “May I keep the poem?” “Yes, of course” I answered,  and what is your name?” “Laura” she said. She smiled, took the poem and walked away. Copyright © Doug Claybourne 2010. All Rights Reserved.