At the Beach

Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash

A wave surprises.
Startles you
when it is bigger
than the others.
Hits you in the face.
Gets salt in your eyes
and mouth.
Makes you laugh.
Floats you up
and pushes you
towards shore.
And before you stand up —
the next one
catches you off guard.

— Maggie Mathis © 2020