(Pacific Ocean at dusk near Newport, Oregon)
SINGLE
I watch the tide recess,
shore growing wider,
footprints and castles,
umbrellas swallowed
by sky, bridging all
until darkness makes
the next step unsure,
splash of conjure.
I pretend I am in love
and the moon is my date.
We pass notes, order
wine, and when I
forget to tip, I am
reminded I have
nothing to lose:
I have stars, bodies
drawn to guide me
and this reach
of blessed beach
with its day erased.
- Leslie Anne Mcilroy
Blogger's note: Special thank you to Leslie for giving me permission to post this. Leslie is not only an award winning poet, she is also a friend and a fellow art lover. You can learn more about Leslie and her work, including her latest book "Slag" which features the poem above, by clicking here: http://lamcilroy.org/
I have chosen this poem to kick off the month of February, which for some is a time of happiness and for others is a time of longing. Happy February to all, regardless of whether you are single or otherwise.