2 Poems

Gretchen On The Beach

A divorcee from Humboldt Talks traveling and books While Gretchen, her daughter, Pirouettes for me Wearing an Angels’ baseball cap And tapa-cloth bikini. The divorcee informs me Gretchen is married, That her husband is marching back Over seaweed and lava. Those who are beautiful Are always attached, Even when they are single. The sand disturbs Where the divorcee stands— She’s burrowing with her toes. Gretchen knows I am watching. She plucks a plumeria, Carries it to her face, Breathes in its fragrance. Pieces of reef, now exposed, Beg for her attention. Black Point, Oahu 2004 Here you can swim As far as you can go. The reef is not distant— Soon you will be aware of its teeth. Bikinis and one pieces Cover the beach. A girl searches for friends Along the seawall. She reminds me of what I lost, The years of crushes and failed loves. I’m there again getting crushed And losing all over again This time wearing Sunglasses, visor, marlin-blue trunks. The familiar sand Shifts beneath my weight.

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