Shriya

14

the roaring sea
it splashes against the shore
over and over again

i close my eyes and sigh
as a gust of wind blows past me
whispering in my ear, humming softly

the cool breeze
it runs its fingers through my hair
cradling me in its arms

the vast sky
dabs of pink, shades of red
wisps of violet, traces of blue

the sun dips below the horizon
colors splash the sky
the ether’s oeuvre

the shoreline
embellished with grains of sand
kissed by billows of the sea

the crystal clear water
pure, majestic, sublime
glistening in the dying light

i sink into the soft sand
and hug my knees
i lean over and glimpse at the water

the reflection
that trembling lip
those hopeful eyes

the image melts
i see my summer
i see the past

_ice cream dripping
_swimming with the fish
_dancing with the sea

_my sister splashing me
_my brother racing me
_my cousin daring me

_our laughter
_my delighted, little heart
_those carefree days...

memories
those wonderful moments
that hurt so bad

reminiscences flood my mind
i am neck deep in recollections
drowning, flailing my arms...

the pearly tear
streaming down my face
plopping into the sea

we both cry, the water and i
the salt stings our faces
it burns our eyes

but it feels good to weep
to let out all that sadness
hidden deep within the walls of our hearts

brushing my hand against my damp cheek
i force myself to rise
and drag myself out of the cool water

my heart rips into two pieces
as i turn to depart
as i leave my summer behind

i glance over my shoulder right before i go
i raise my arm and move it to and fro
"i will miss you" i whisper softly

the sea waves back to me
ripples of love touch my heart
i caress the sand as i walk away

even as i shed tears,
i can’t help but smile
i wink as it blows a kiss to me

one last goodbye