The day is cold and clear, the sun so bright.
The sky pale blue, the water blue and white.
The windy beach and winter sea appear
Deserted now. Ice gleams in the sunlight.
Today's as sharp as shattered glass, as clear
As coated flint and crown. Right now, right here,
All questions are answered. The ocean seems
In time, yet timeless. Matter's just veneer
For thoughts more firm than stones, and rightness beams
Through it like a diamond sun, reviving dreams
And myths and prayers, old creation made new-
ly pellucid to lucent ethical extremes.
I try to bring this beauty back, and do.
Well, sometimes, anyway. But I try to.
I honestly don't like to make things worse.
We want and fear, excuse . . . and compromise.
I heard the Mermaid sing in Her tidepool.
Her lips brushed mine; they're salty, wet and cool.
Eyes open. Flash of gold. She dove from sight.
I turned, and wondered at the long climb up the dunes.
October 10, 1992