Standing with the whole world in front of me,
Waves crashing all around,
I turn to my left, I turn to my right.
The turbulent water extends as far as the eyes can see.

The glowing sun lowers itself in the jagged sky,
Splashing vibrant colors of pink…orange…lavender,
Refusing to emit even a dash of warmth for the evening
As the chill of the night air creeps across the sand and up my spine.

I grab the perfectly shaped seashell resting at my bare feet
In hopes that you will take notice of my movements.
I run my fingers along the bumpy ridges
Taking pleasure in the cool, smoothness of the shell’s underside.

I feel your presence as you approach
Yet, too timid, too full of inexpressible emotion, to gather enough courage to look into your eyes
So I merely place the shell within your hand with a soft, gentle touch,
All the while, secretly dreaming of the moment when your hand reaches for mine.

03/22/2004

Author's Note: I am collaborating with an artist who is going to do a piece of artwork to accompany this poem. My poem and her artwork will be displayed together at an artshow...

Posted on 03/23/2004
Copyright © 2025 Megan Langley