my steps are shallow
in the sand
the footprints
are uneven
a distorted impression
of missing toes
that vanish
after the stroke
of the lightest wave

it seems I have
no weight
even as I pound
my feet forcefully
convincingly
into the grainy beach
I leave no mark
there is no evidence
that I walked
along this shore

I shout at the sea
to fill me
with its mighty depths
weigh me down
with water
make me dense
enough to sink
into this sand
so that it tunnels
up to my knees

but the capricious sea
turns its head aside
and I remain
light as a feather
stumbling
as the tide swells
in anticipation
to wash away
my meager footprints

I move ahead quickly
I cannot turn
around
or I would see you
standing on the beach
searching for
a trace of me
in the sand