north beach

this morning
the sea looked tired
half asleep
without the moon
to mirror
her fatigue

those ruffled
sheets of seaweed
strewn about beds of rocks
were the evidence
of a passing season
that lasted too long

the tears were shed
the salt broke over the waves
blood rained as
sorrow reigned with
liquid fire
and the desperate
struggle for understanding
was reined in by
the truth

what i knew
i didn't want
to acknowledge
i refused to
listen to
the mad
rants
of the seagulls
and the echo
of the crows
even though
i knew
they were right

so i lay it to rest
whatever was left
i left
at her fluid feet
and left
without looking back