Life on the Beach


I stood on the shore,

When I was young,

To stare at the shadows of war.


When I became older.

Sunlight erased the darkness

So I placed war in a folder.


I cried hammer hard tears

To control disgust;

Lied about my salty fears.


I watched as a rusty ship sank

Below a sailor's emulsified pride;

Out of sight with only me to thank.


But it trapped a cargo of slaves

So I swam toward forgiveness;

Hope slipped beneath the waves.

Yorktown Disciple
1969