I arrive before the light – just sayin’

the air so fresh it has no scent at all

the gulls still on the water

which is pale green with a ruffle of bubbling white wave

under indefinable sky.

I commandeer the lifeguard station steps

Stiffly sitting, fumbling for the camera option…

It’s early March & a chill 68

Yet a young thing in an orange sundress

Poses for her senior pictures, in just-visible light

Her friend in a heavy jacket, boots up to there

While Barefoot girl smiles & combs back her hair.

The world between us – me in wrinkles, she in burgeoning sun.