Be.

Where toes meet damp sand,

Where sun kisses my chocolate legs,

Where trade winds blow my afro hair,

And sweat mingles with oils in my skin

Battling heat and humid air,

I take a drink of a sand sprinkled water bottle,

I re-apply a coat of chapstick,

I remember to breathe in the freshness

As ocean sprays my calves

and wind billows beneath my dress.

The baby blue expanse above me 

The speckle of cirrus playing hide and seek with

the sun, light bouncing off of my golden skin

I inhale again for good measure

I exhale--again.

Again I step closer to the steady waves

Again they move at gravity’s will

Again I acknowledge my place

And dig my toes in 

Burying my soles, my ankles--safe.

Am I safe?

Am I alive?

Am I joyful?

Battle, Breathe, 

Bury, Breathe, 

Be.