even though there is a sameness
to the ocean, the horizon,
the cirrus clouds
and the birds in flight
through the spectrum of green
and light-filled blue.

this time,
try to see it all.

begin to notice the long joyful glide,
that the pelican makes,
just above the sea’s rolling
breath,
and the echoing shiver of your own belly’s undulating sigh.

begin to notice the delicate determined
curl of each wave
repeating, repeating, repeating to embrace
the shore,
and that one perfect moment
when it hangs – balanced
like a glassy transparent tunnel,
before curving within and
breaking onto the beach.

notice the pliant fine sand, the softness of
your skin and the tender renderings
they both long to be

breathe in the air, the warmth, the sadness
that momentarily suspends itself
and then drifts away

pay heed the love that
dilates your face and then
reflects off the whole of you,
and life, and the morning sunlight on the water

this is not a time to close your eyes, no beautiful one,

this time,
try to see it all.

Martha Lee Phelps