Virginia Beach
the air is thick, heavy
and I can barely stand the weight of it.
it covers me like a cloak
like a fabric that has woven itself into me.
this east coast shore holds no relief
nothing seems to ease the pressure.
as evening falls and I walk to the sea
I beg her to cool my skin.
she offers me tiny waves, a weak current
and a sky full of dusky grey.
I walk to the water’s edge
naked feet yearning for the lick of a cooling
wave.
a trickle, laps up onto the sand
and slowly dribbles away.
the pressure begins to build again
as thunder claps and bangs.
loud crashes and menacing booms
and a threatening lightning strike.
breathlessly I await
the imminent roaring downpour.
I look to the sky, searching,
for the break that will open wide.
I want to raise my hands and arms
as the flood pours down and quenches this
ache in me.
the first sprinkles hit like kisses on my
skin
anticipation peaks at the touch.
then suddenly, the clouds move, the sun winks
and the heat is upon me again.
straight to the airport I go from here
I am heading west.
to cool breezes and afternoon strolls
and not a hint of humid air.
for waves that crash with intention
of covering you in their wake.
for sand and sea and sky and stone
and a soothing like nothing else.
Laguna Beach, Ca
