Salty

salty sea in front of me

the waves roll calm and steady

as i wonder if i am ready

if we are ready

for whatever awaits my return

my heart feels heavy

i can feel its break

sand salts the sores

and i drown

in this salty sea in front of me

seabird searches the sand for sustenance

endlessly

for a spot on the shore to gather twigs

build a nest

raise a family

i am a seabird

and i am tired

i may now be as salty as the sea

and you may find yourself the same

but i will not beg

and my tears will dry

as it always goes in this salty sea

Pensacola, Florida, November 2019