The waves rolled in empty, unfulfilled
as the ocean breeze provided un-needed chill.
The sun was undressing into velvet so black.
The hands of time proceeded onward, no turning back.

That placid scene plays on in my mind.
No ribbon 'round a tree could, that day, rewind.
Flowers so fragrant and willows that weep
can never erase that empty beach.

People have told me tales so bold
of pirates and treasures and stories of old.
The dunes were a place where history scorns
forgotten truths of ancient folklore.

I was naive at that time, oh, so true .
I walked barefoot on the beach 'neath the moon.
The waves rolled in and the waves rolled out.
I walked with my innocence, no weapon, did I tout.

Then it happened right before my eyes.
A set of footprints appeared as though set by the sky.
A glowing specter ahead pierced the dark routine.
She looked so lonely and beckoned me.

It was hard to resist that siren's song.
We stared at each other as time crept along.
Her flowing white gown kissed the sand divine
and left me alone to walk this sandy line.

Some say she is crazy and lies alone.
Others say she is a ghost, who, to Heaven cannot go.
But I, I say she is the starlight that beckons down
like a beautiful comet that merely graces the ground.

One thing I learned, I wish I could take back.
For God was truly cruel to provide such a path.
Those footprints leading out to the jagged sea
were of only one creature...the specter was me.

©2001 Lori S. Maynard