Venice Beach
where the west ends
land and sands
meet edge of sea
white sailboats coast summer
breeze in fleets
surfers masquerading as seals
catch curls and cruise like dolphins
seagulls frolic sun-kissed shoreline
sounding waves of percussion
white break foam turns over
crashing + lapping
children chase tide
kicking + screaming + laughing
in salty hazy mist they
jump and screech
as cold ocean splashes about
ankles and feet
tired worn faces of
fathers and mothers
journey from sand
into cold blue waves
they turn backs to stand
trying to remain a proper
woman or man
but force is too much —
teeth revealed as the corners of
mouths turn up
eyes begin to soften
frown lines become smooth
footing loosened as water withdrawals
digging grooves
soaked from head to toe
each one gives in
falling back into
floating to swim
parents catch children in
towels open armed
with hugs they are
comforted + warmed
sandcastles return back
into sea
along with lover’s hearts etched
in grains of beach
glow of silent setting
sun slowly creeps
behind mountain peaks
rays cascade
winged cranes
caravan and fade
into painted clouds streaked
pink orange and peach
KM Sharp is a poet, writer, MSW, activist, producer and photographer originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, moved to Los Angeles, California and now lives as a digital nomad traveling and exploring the world. She received a BA in Communications from University of Colorado and a MSW from Saint Louis University. KM studied under the renowned Welsh-American poet, bard and scholar Jon Dressel and co-produces the monthly literary and music show Poems, Prose and Pints. She has performed in shows and events nationally and internationally and her poetry and writings appear in various publications and anthologies. KM is the author of two ebooks, I Become One and Heirs of November. Check out her new travel blog/publication Travel Artists Hub.
