a summer walk

(extracted from memory of being a kid in hermosa beach,

early '60's following my older sis and her friends around)

sticky beach tar on my toes

following the leader

being careful to avoid fire ants

salt air tickling my nose

while i construct

our latest fort in my mind

eyes glance back at me

my 13 year old sister

once again forced to take me

her cigarette-smoking friend rolls her eyes

finally, we make it to the railroad tracks

and i search for my penny

placed there 2 days ago

i am a tightrope walker

balancing on the warm/hot iron

eyes scanning...hoping to find it

the girl’s conversations drift farther from me

and they are anxious to grab a spot by the lifeguard

finally, i give up and run to catch up

it is summertime

i quickly forget my penny

as the beach hugs my senses

the sounds of frothy waves

call for me to come and play

the smell of hotdogs cooking

25 cents and a 10 cent coke

the girls set up the towels

settle in and tan

i run for the surf

trying to remember where the jellyfish were

shoulder deep and paddling

it happens.... catching that wave

keeping my arms stiff and head down

i ride it in

yes, life is good