Horizon shimmers as purple sky exhales,

Darkness comes.

I abandon the shore

To wait for daylight and receding tide,

Hoping to discover

Ocean’s bounties washed ashore.

I return by dawn

Armed with shovel and pail

To scoop and store

Grains of truth, shells,

Some whole, some broken.

Seeking inspiration.

Combing the beach

For pearls, promise,

Precious memories.

Gathering all I can

Before high tide returns

To steal them away.

Digging, gleaning, sorting,

Taking treasures home.

Nuggets to clean, polish, and perfect.

Casting aside faux gems,

Keeping the strong and true

Finding inspiration.