under the sunshine 
the sounds of the waves tumble
as they gently paint the sand
like an artist’s brushstroke
the birds run as they give chase to the water
on tiny legs in search of a snack
I meander down the shoreline
listening to the symphony of music
within the ebb and flow of the tide

I lift a stick that has been carried in
and deposited on the shore
by the sea
made brittle by the salt and sun
I use my newfound tool to write
carving into the firm sand 
as I begin to add my own contribution
to the ocean canvas
that she prepared for me

as a few hours pass
the water rises and the tides begin to turn
with the pull of the moon
waves become closer and more forceful
I weep as the water
callously washes away 
all of my words and wishes
I run inland as the sun sets
and night consumes me

in the morning
I walk back to the shore
it is once again quiet and calm
the tide has pulled back once more
leaving another firm blank canvas
and realization whispers softly
the sea did not destroy my artwork
she simply took in my dreams
to hold them safe

I am still here
my words and my hopes define me
the tides will always come and go
but I will stand tall
I look at my hand and I still hold the stick
I can always add more
to the masterpiece that is my life