midmorning overcast gave way

to low-lying clouds.

the breeze was a 5 knot

drift from the southeast.

a light surf broke at the shoreline

to the delight of waders and colorful

inflatable paddlers.

the forecast was for sunlight to break through

before noon with clear skies to follow.

nearby, a man found a nearly whole crab shell 

and washed it in the surf.

he used it to frighten the kids.

his wife yelled at him and the shell

disappeared from view of the family blanket.

from the chaos I considered their wood-woven

picnic basket and fantasized what was in it;

sandwiches. soda pop. juice. potato chips, bananas…

and when the day is done this family will change

from their bathing suits to more functional clothing

in the parking lot on the driver’s side of the car.

the doors will be open. the subterfuge is perfectly timed. 

for me, six days will pass before another trip to the beach.

it’ll be on that day when “Spindrift dream girl”

will walk across my sightline, alone and aloof and memorable.