Bubbling of water in your ears,

sting of saltwater in your eyes

Squinting against sun-light, 

Multiplied in reflection.

Taste of salt in your mouth.

.

Prickle of midday sun on sun-starved shoulders

Trickle of sweat down your back

Skin moist and soft with humidity, 

Tight from drying with salt

Glowing, growing daily darker, 

.

Barefoot footprints on virgin beach, 

Light marks in hard sand, deep holes in wet, 

Watching patterns wash away

Calf muscles straining with beach walking  

Limbs aching with too much swimming 

.

Body weightless in the waves. 

Face turned towards the water, 

Towards the wind

Soul aching for salt water, 

Sweat, tears, the sea.

.

Tulia, Bofa Beach, Kilifi, Kenya

January 2021