-genesis-

saltwater takes a bite of the hollow.

in time it gives the land back, toying

like a cat with its mouse. the wind,
saltwater’s inconstant accomplice,

lends its breath to the exhibition
forming clay, building, packing
and sculpting for the saltwater’s pleasure.

it's the saltwater renders the mortar pliable.

it’s the nature of saltwater to do this.

the clay of the hollow has little to do
but stay put, flexing its recurring muscle.

there’s a stretch of outer beach where
the clay pounds at Newcomb Hollow
struggle to reach upward, heavy-footed,
angling inland, forming a high chaplet where

danger signs are driven, warning adventurers
to this place of the instability of its cliffs.

the Cape has an arm of ice and clay,
bending into itself as if from a joint of bone.

saltwater changes everything.

the gods have hands of saltwater.

                            For Josh D'Elia and Jenny Cefaly
                            Truro, Wellfleet, Massachusetts