last to leave the sand

regardless of the time I arrive at the beach

I find pram, bicycle and tractor treads

assorted sized canine impressions

runners, joggers and walkers foot prints

some shod, others barefoot

dancing in all directions

I add mine, as I’m never first on the sand

skill takes the windsurfers out

higher up and away 

360 spin — hang five

returning by the rolling waves

another achievement added to their repertoire

I add mine, as I’m grounded in the sand 

no substitute for the sound of the waves

the scavenging seagull

laughter, a call to a defiant family pet

no mistaking the wind in the glasses

crushing, and scuffing of shells

splashing in the water

I add mine, as my feet are in the sand

tides have removed the signs of yesterdays visitors

mindless of the effort put in by sand castle builders

the lines drawn by sticks

concealing tracers of make believe life

seaweed, and driftwood

some to return tomorrow

I add mine, as I’m never last to leave the sand