We marvel at the humpback whale’s spout,
spy its mighty tail
with our naked eyes
as children run along the shore
with sunburned shoulders.
We can’t stop the waves
from inching toward our blanket,
taunting our chairs and towels,
threatening to swallow
our sandals, chips, and books.
We only laugh and toss them
out of seafoam’s reach—
nothing can stop September’s tide
from taking us for a ride.
— from Juniper Volume 6, Issue 3