Cape May Sunset Beach

I hear the seagulls continually calling and answering

And the sand crunching from people walking

I hear my mallet pounding my beach umbrella into the sand

And the tinkling wind chimes from the souvenir shop

I hear the wind roaring and hissing as it rolls off the waves

I smell the grease from the grill at the snack bar

And the acrid smoke from thoughtless people's cigarettes

I can smell the sweet aroma of coconut scented suntan lotion

And the subtle smell of salt wafting from the sea spray

I smell the heat rising from the tar on the boardwalk and parking lot

I taste grit and I taste salt

I taste hamburger, onions, and tomatoes

My hair tastes salty as it's blowing in my mouth

And my favorite is the sweet taste of salt water taffy

I feel scratching from the sand in my shoes

And I feel sticky from suntan lotion

I feel damp and wet from sea spray

My eyes sting a bit from the salt and the sand

I feel the comfort of the sun warming my skin

Gazing out at the horizon I feel far away

I feel anxiety leaving

And I feel infused by a quiet calm

I feel a little drowsy

And something I don't do often

I feel like smiling