An ocean away is the ocean.
Me against the waves.

Swimming towards them,

Through them,

Instead of with them.

I wish for murky salt water

That, when swallowed,

Gives me barnacle breath.

A lifetime away is the ocean.

Me, a child at the beach club.

Hardboiled eggs and

Sandwiches from home.

One hour before I can go

Back into the sea.

60 minutes is long, long eternity.

Wooden boardwalks end at hot sand.

Wet suits hang on pegs in tiny room

One mom, four kids, no ceiling, change.

Every day, all day at the beach.

I wish for waves peppered with salt

That, when crested,

Ease their passenger towards shore.

I wish for a summer routine

From forty plus years ago.

I wish for a child's perspective of

A Very BIG ocean.